Every Star Wars Movie Transcript

Episode VI REVENGE OF THE JEDI BY LAWRENCE KASDAN AND GEORGE LUCAS FROM THE NOVEL BY GEORGE LUCAS SECOND DRAFT - DECEMBER 19, 1982

1   SPACE                                                           1 The boundless heavens serve as a back-drop for the MAIN TITLE, followed by a ROLL-UP, which crawls into infinity. Episode VI: REVENGE OF THE JEDI... Luke Skywalker has returned to his home planet of Tatooine in an attempt to rescue his friend Han Solo from the clutches of the vile gangster Jabba the Hutt. Little does Luke know that the GALACTIC EMPIRE has secretly begun construction on a               new armored space station even more powerful than the first dreaded Death Star. When completed, this ultimate weapon will spell certain doom for the small band of               Rebels struggling to restore freedom to the galaxy... PAN DOWN to reveal a monstrous half-completed Death Star, its massive superstructure curling away from the completed section like the arms of a giant octopus. Beyond, in benevolent contrast, floats the small, green moon of ENDOR. An Imperial Star Destroyer moves overhead toward the massive armored space station, followed by two zipping TIE fighters. A     small Imperial shuttle rockets from the main bay of the ship and hustles toward the Death Star. 2   INT IMPERIAL SHUTTLE - COCKPIT                                  2 The shuttle captain makes contact with the Death Star. SHUTTLE CAPTAIN Command station, this is ST 321. Code Clearance Blue. We're starting our approach. Deactivate the security shield. DEATH STAR CONTROLLER (filtered VO) The security deflector shield will be               deactivated when we have confirmation of your code transmission. Stand by... You are clear to proceed. SHUTTLE CAPTAIN We're starting our approach. 3   INT DEATH STAR - CONTROL ROOM                                   3 Operators move about among the control panels. A SHIELD OPERATOR hits switches beside a large screen, on which is a display of the Death Star, the moon Endor, and a bright web delineating the invisible deflector shield. A control officer rushes over to the shield operator. OFFICER Inform the commander that Lord Vader's               shuttle has arrived. OPERATOR Yes, sir.     The control officer moves to a view port and watches as the Imperial shuttle lands in the massive docking bay. A squad of     Imperial stormtroopers moves into formation before the craft. 4   INT DEATH STAR - MAIN DOCKING BAY                               4 The DEATH STAR COMMANDER, MOFF JERJERROD, a tall, confident technocrat, strides through the assembled troops to the base of     the shuttle ramp. The troops snap to attention; many are uneasy about the new arrival. But the Death Star commander stands arrogantly tall. The exit hatch of the shuttle opens with a WHOOSH, revealing only darkness. Then, heavy FOOTSTEPS AND MECHANICAL BREATHING. From this black void appears DARTH VADER, LORD OF THE SITH. Vader looks over the assemblage as he walks down the ramp. JERJERROD Lord Vader, this is an unexpected pleasure. We're honored by your presence. VADER You may dispense with the pleasantries, Commander. I'm here to put you back on               schedule. The commander turns ashen and begins to shake. JERJERROD I assure you, Lord Vader, my men are working as fast as they can. VADER Perhaps I can find new ways to               motivate them. JERJERROD I tell you, this station will be operational as planned. VADER The Emperor does not share your optimistic appraisal of the situation. JERJERROD But he asks the impossible. I need more men. VADER Then perhaps you can tell him when he               arrives. JERJERROD (aghast) The Emperor's coming here? VADER That is correct, Commander. And he is most displeased with your apparent lack of               progress. JERJERROD We shall double our efforts. VADER I hope so, Commander, for your sake. The Emperor is not as forgiving as I am. 5   EXT ROAD TO JABBA'S PALACE - TATOOINE                           5 A lonely, windswept road meanders through the desolate Tatooine terrain. We HEAR a familiar BEEPING and a distinctive reply before catching sight of ARTOO-DETOO and SEE-THREEPIO, making their way along the road toward the ominous palace of Jabba the Hutt. THREEPIO Of course I'm worried. And you should be, too. Lando Calrissian and poor Chewbacca never returned from this awful place. Artoo whistles timidly. THREEPIO Don't be so sure. If I told you half the things I've heard about this Jabba the Hutt, You'd probably short-circuit. The two droids fearfully approach the massive gate to the palace. THREEPIO Artoo, are you sure this is the right place? I better knock, I suppose. 6   EXT JABBA'S PALACE - GATE                                       6 Threepio looks around for some kind of signaling device, then timidly knocks on the iron door. THREEPIO (instantly) There doesn't seem to be anyone there. Let's               go back and tell Master Luke. A small hatch in the middle of the door opens and a spidery mechanical arm, with a large electronic eyeball on the end, pops out and inspects the two droids. STRANGE VOICE Tee chuta hhat yudd! THREEPIO Goodness gracious me! Threepio points to Artoo, then to himself. THREEPIO Artoo Detoowha bo Seethreepiowha ey toota odd mischka Jabba du Hutt. The eye looks from one robot to the other, there is a laugh then the eye zips back into the door. The hatch slams shut. Artoo beeps his concern. THREEPIO I don't think they're going to let us in, Artoo. We'd better go. Artoo beeps his reluctance as Threepio turns to leave. Suddenly the massive door starts to rise with a horrific metallic SCREECH. The robots turn back and face an endless black cavity. The droids look at one another, afraid to enter. Artoo starts forward into the gloom. Threepio rushes after his stubby companion. The door lowers noisily behind them. THREEPIO Artoo, wait. Oh, dear! Artoo. Artoo, I really don't think we should rush into all this. Artoo continues down the corridor, with Threepio following. THREEPIO Oh, Artoo! Artoo, wait for me! 7   INT JABBA'S PALACE - HALLWAY                                    7 The door slams shut with a loud crash that echoes throughout the dark passageway. The frightened robots are met by two giant, green GAMORREAN GUARDS, who fall in behind them. Threepio glances quickly back at the two lumbering brutes, then back to Artoo. One guard grunts an order. Artoo beeps nervously. THREEPIO Just you deliver Master Luke's message and get us out of here. Oh my! Oh! Oh, no.     Walking toward them out of the darkness is BIB FORTUNA, a      humanlike alien with long tentacles protruding from his skull. BIB Die Wanna Wanga! THREEPIO Oh, my! Die Wanna Wauaga. We -- we bring a               message to your master, Jabba the Hutt. Artoo lets out a series of quick beeps. THREEPIO (cont) ... and a gift. (thinks a moment, then to Artoo) Gift, what gift? Bib shakes his head negatively. BIB Nee Jabba no badda. Me chaade su goodie. Bib holds out his hand toward Artoo and the tiny droid backs up a     bit, letting out a protesting array of squeaks. Threepio turns to     the strange-looking alien. THREEPIO He says that our instructions are to give it               only to Jabba himself. Bib thinks about this for a moment. THREEPIO I'm terribly sorry. I'm afraid he's ever so               stubborn about these sort of things. Bib gestures for the droids to follow. BIB Nudd Chaa. The droids follow the tall, tentacled alien into the darkness, trailed by the two guards. THREEPIO Artoo, I have a bad feeling about this. 8   INT JABBA'S THRONE ROOM                                         8 The throne room is filled with the vilest, most grotesque CREATURES ever conceived in the universe. Artoo and Threepio seem very small as they pause in the doorway to the dimly lit chamber. Light shafts partially illuminate the drunken courtiers as Bib Fortuna crosses the room to the platform upon which rests the leader of this nauseating crowd: JABBA THE HUTT. The monarch of     the galactic underworld is a repulsive blob of bloated fat with a      maniacal grin. Chained to the horrible creature is the beautiful alien female dancer named OOLA. At the foot of the dais sits an     obnoxious birdlike creature, SALACIOUS CRUMB. Bib whispers something in the slobbering degenerate's ear. Jabba laughs horribly, at the two terrified droids before him. Threepio bows politely. THREEPIO Good morning. JABBA Bo Shuda! The robots jump forward to stand before the repulsive, loose- skinned villain. THREEPIO The message, Artoo, the message. Artoo whistles, and a beam of light projects from his domed head, creating a HOLOGRAM of LUKE on the floor. The image grows to over ten feet tall, and the young Jedi towers over the space gangsters. LUKE Greetings, Exalted One. Allow me to introduce myself. I am Luke Skywalker, Jedi Knight and friend to Captain Solo. I know that you are powerful, mighty Jabba, and that your anger with Solo must be equally powerful. I seek an               audience with Your Greatness to bargain for Solo's life. (Jabba's crowd laughs) With your wisdom, I'm sure that we can work out an               arrangement which will be mutually beneficial and enable us to avoid any unpleasant confrontation. As a token of my goodwill, I               present to you a gift: these two droids. Threepio is startled by this announcement. THREEPIO What did he say? LUKE (cont) ... Both are hardworking and will serve you well. THREEPIO This can't be! Artoo, you're playing the wrong message. Luke's hologram disappears. Jabba laughs while Bib speaks to him in Huttese. JABBA (in Huttese subtitled) There will be no bargain. THREEPIO We're doomed. JABBA (in Huttese subtitled) I will not give up my favorite decoration. I               like Captain Solo where he is. Jabba laughs hideously and looks toward an alcove beside the throne. Hanging high, flat against the wall, exactly as we saw him last, is a carbonized HAN SOLO. THREEPIO Artoo, look! Captain Solo. And he's still frozen in carbonite. 9   INT DUNGEON CORRIDOR                                            9 One of Jabba's Gamorrean guards marches Artoo and Threepio down a     dank, shadowy passageway lined with holding cells. The cries of     unspeakable creatures bounce off the cold stone walls. Occasionally a repulsive arm or tentacle grabs through the bars at the hapless droids. Artoo beeps pitifully. THREEPIO What could possibly have come over Master Luke. Is it something I did? He never expressed any unhappiness with my work. Oh! Oh! Hold it! Ohh! A large tentacle wraps around Threepio's neck. He manages to     break free, and they move on to a door at the end of the corridor. 10  INT BOILER ROOM                                                10 The door slides open, revealing a room filled with steam and noisy machinery. The guard motions them into the boiler room, where they are met by a tall, thin humanlike robot named EV-9D9 (EVE-NINEDENINE). Behind the robot can be seen a torture rack pulling the legs off a screaming baby work droid. A second power droid is upside down. As smoking branding irons are pressed into his feet, the stubby robot lets out an agonized electronic scream. Artoo and Threepio cringe as the guard grunts to EV-9D9. NINEDENINE Ah, good. New acquisitions. You are a               protocol droid, are you not? THREEPIO I am See-Threepio, human-cy... NINEDENINE Yes or no will do. THREEPIO Oh. Well, yes. NINEDENINE How many languages do you speak? THREEPIO I am fluent in over six million forms of               communication, and can readily... NINEDENINE Splendid! We have been without an interpreter since our master got angry with our last protocol droid and disintegrated him. THREEPIO Disintegrated? NINEDENINE (to a Gamorrean guard) Guard! This protocol droid might be useful. Fit him with a restraining bolt and take him back to His Excellency's main audience chamber. The guard shoves Threepio toward the door. THREEPIO (disappearing) Artoo, don't leave me! Ohhh! Artoo lets out a plaintive cry as the door closes. Then he beeps angrily. NINEDENINE You're a feisty little one, but you'll soon learn some respect. I have need for you on               the master's Sail Barge. And I think you'll               fit in nicely. The poor work droid in the background lets out another tortured electronic scream. 11  INT JABBA'S THRONE ROOM                                        11 The court of Jabba the Hutt is in the midst of a drunken, raucous party. Sloppy, smelly monsters cheer and make rude noises as Oola and a fat female dancer perform in front of Jabba's throne. Jabba leers at the dancers and with a lustful gleam in his eye beckons Oola to come and sit with him. She stops dancing and backs away, shaking her head. Jabba gets angry and points to a     spot next to him. JABBA Da Eitha! The lovely alien shakes her head again and screams. OOLA Na Chuba negatorie Na! Na! Natoota...     Jabba is furious and pulls her toward him, tugging on the chain. JABBA Boscka! He pushes a button and, before the dancer can flee, a trap door in the floor springs open and swallows her up. As the door snaps shut, a muffled growl is followed by a hideous scream. Jabba and his monstrous friends laugh hysterically and several revelers hurry over to watch her fate through a grate. Threepio cringes and glances wistfully at the carbonite form of     Han Solo, but is immediately distracted by a gunshot offscreen. An unnatural quiet sweeps the boisterous gathering. On the far side of the room, the crush of debauchers moves aside to allow the approach of two guards followed by BOUSHH, an oddly cloaked bounty hunter, leading his captive, Han Solo's copilot, CHEWBACCA THE WOOKIEE. Bib takes his place next to his disgusting master, and whispers into his ear, pointing at Chewbacca and the bounty hunter. Jabba listens intently, then the bounty hunter bows before the gangster and speaks a greeting in a strange, electronically processed tongue (Ubese). BOUSHH (in Ubese subtitled) I have come for the bounty on this Wookiee. THREEPIO Oh, no! Chewbacca! JABBA (in Huttese subtitled) At last we have the mighty Chewbacca. Jabba lets out a loud, long, blood-curdling laugh and turns to     Threepio, waving him closer. The reluctant droid obeys. THREEPIO Oh, uh, yes, uh, I am here, Your Worshipfulness. Uh... yes! Jabba continues speaking, as Threepio nervously translates. Boushh listens, studying the dangerous creatures around the room. He notices BOBA FETT standing near the door. THREEPIO Oh. The illustrious Jabba bids you welcome and will gladly pay you the reward of twenty- five thousand. BOUSHH (in Ubese subtitled) I want fifty thousand. No less. Jabba immediately flies into a rage, knocking the golden droid off the raised throne into a clattering heap on the floor. Boushh adjusts his weapon as Jabba raves in Huttese and Threepio struggles back onto the throne. The disheveled droid tries to     compose himself. THREEPIO Uh, oh... but what, what did I say? (to Boushh) Uh, the mighty Jabba asks why he must pay fifty thousand. The bounty hunter holds up a small silver ball in his hand. Threepio looks at it, then looks at Jabba, then back to the bounty hunter. The droid is very nervous and Jabba is getting very impatient. THREEPIO Because he's holding a thermal detonator. The guards instantly back away, as do most of the other monsters in the room. Jabba stares at the silver ball, which begins to     glow in the bounty hunter's hand. The room has fallen into a     tense hush. Jabba stares at the bounty hunter malevolently until a sly grin creeps across his vast mouth and he begins to laugh. JABBA (in Huttese subtitled) This bounty hunter is my kind of scum. Fearless and inventive. Jabba continues. THREEPIO Jabba offers the sum of thirty-five. And I               suggest you take it. Bib and the other monsters study the bounty hunter and wait for his reaction. Boushh releases a switch on the thermal detonator and it goes dead. BOUSHH Zeebuss. THREEPIO He agrees! The raucous crowd of monsters erupts in a symphony of cheers and applause as the party returns to its full noisy pitch. Chewbacca growls. As he is led away we spot LANDO CALRISSIAN, disguised as     a skiff guard in a partial face mask. The band starts up and dancing girls take the center of the floor, to the hoots of the loudly appreciative creatures. Boushh leans against a column with gunfighter cool and surveys the scene, his gaze stopping only when it connects with a glare from across the room. Boba Fett is watching him. Boushh shifts slightly, cradling his weapon lovingly. Boba Fett shifts with equally ominous arrogance. 12  INT DUNGEON CORRIDOR AND CELL                                  12 Gamorrean guards lead Chewie down the same hallway we saw before. When a tentacle reaches out at the Wookiee, Chewie's ferocious ROAR echoes against the walls and the tentacle snaps back into its cell in terror. It takes all the guards to hurl Chewie roughly into a cell, slamming the door behind him. Chewie lets out a pathetic howl and bangs on the iron door. 13  EXT JABBA'S PALACE                                             13 The palace is sitting in the light of the double sunset. On the road in front, a large toadlike creature flicks its tongue out for a desert rodent and burps in satisfaction. 14  INT JABBA'S THRONE ROOM - NIGHT                                14 Silence. The room is deserted, only the awful debris of the alien celebration giving mute witness to the activity here before. Several drunk creatures lie unconscious around the room, snoring loudly. A shadowy figure moves stealthily among the columns at the perimeter of the room and is revealed to be Boushh, the bounty hunter. He picks his way carefully through the snoring, drunken monsters. Han Solo, the frozen space pirate, hangs spotlighted on the wall, his coffin-like case suspended by a force field. The bounty hunter deactivates the force field by flipping a control switch to one side of the coffin. The heavy case slowly lowers to the floor of the alcove. Boushh steps up to the case, studying Han, then turns to the controls on the side of the coffin. He activates a series of     switches and, after one last, hesitant look at Han, slides the decarbonization lever. The case begins to emit a sound as the hard shell covering the contours of Han's face begins to melt away. The bounty hunter watches as Han's body is freed of its metallic coat and his forearms and hands, previously raised in     reflexive protest, drop slackly to his side. His face muscles relax from their mask of horror. He appears quite dead. Boushh's ugly helmet leans close to Han's face listening for the breath of life. Nothing. He waits. Han's eyes pop open with a     start and he begins coughing. The bounty hunter steadies the staggering newborn. BOUSHH Just relax for a moment. You're free of the carbonite. Han touches his face with his hand and moans. BOUSHH Shhh. You have hibernation sickness. HAN I can't see. BOUSHH You eyesight will return in time. HAN Where am I?                              BOUSHH Jabba's palace. HAN Who are you? The bounty hunter reaches up and lifts the helmet from his head, revealing the beautiful face of PRINCESS LEIA. LEIA Someone who loves you. HAN Leia! LEIA I gotta get you out of here. As Leia helps her weakened lover to stand up, the relative quiet is pierced by an obscene HUTTESE CACKLE from the other side of     the alcove. HAN What's that? I know that laugh. The curtain on the far side of the alcove opens, revealing Jabba the Hutt, surrounded by Bib and other aliens. He laughs again, and his gross cronies join in a cacophony of alien glee. HAN Hey, Jabba. Look, Jabba, I was just on my way to pay you back, but I got a little sidetracked. It's not my fault. Jabba laughs. JABBA (in Huttese subtitled) It's too late for that, Solo. You may have been a good smuggler, but now you're Bantha fodder. HAN Look... JABBA (cont Huttese subtitled) Take him away! The guards grab Han and start to lead him away. HAN Jabba... I'll pay you triple! You're throwing away a fortune here. Don't be a fool! Han is dragged off, as Lando quickly moves forward and attempts to lead Leia away. JABBA (in Huttese subtitled) Bring her to me. Jabba chuckles as Lando and a second guard drag the beautiful young princess toward him. Threepio peeks from behind a monster and quickly turns away in disgust. LEIA We have powerful friends. You're gonna regret this... JABBA (in Huttese subtitled) I'm sure. Inexorably her lovely face moves to within a few inches of     Jabba's ugly blob of a head, and Leia turns away in disgust. LEIA Ugh! THREEPIO Ohhh, I can't bear to watch. 15  INT DUNGEON CELL                                               15 The heavy metal door of the dungeon whines and slowly creaks open. A guard throws the blinded star captain into the dark cell and the door slams shut behind him, leaving only a thin sliver of     light from a crack in the door. Han is trying to collect himself when suddenly a growl is heard from the far side of the cell. He     jumps back against the cell door and listens. HAN Chewie? Chewie, is that you? The shadowy figure lets out a crazy yell and races toward Han, lifting him off the ground with a big hug that carries them into the light, revealing Chewie. HAN Ah! Chew--Chewie! The giant Wookiee barks with glee. HAN Wait. I can't see, pal. What's goin' on? Chewie barks an excited blue streak. HAN Luke? Luke's crazy. He can't even take care of himself, much less rescue anybody. Chewie barks a reply. HAN A...Jedi Knight? I--I'm out of it for a               little while, everybody gets delusions of                grandeur. Chewie growls insistently. He holds Han to his chest and pets his head. HAN I'm all right, pal. I'm all right. 16  INT MAIN GATE AND HALL - JABBA'S PALACE                        16 Noisily, the main gate lifts to flood the blackness with blinding LIGHT and reveal the silhouetted figure of LUKE SKYWALKER. He is     clad in a robe similar to Ben's and wears neither pistol nor laser sword. Luke strides purposefully into the hallway. Two giant guards move to block Luke's path. Luke halts. Luke raises his hand and points at the puzzled guards, who immediately lower their spears and fall back. The young Jedi lowers his hand and moves on down the hallway. Bib Fortuna appears out of the gloom. He speaks to Luke as they approach each other, but Luke doesn't stop and Bib must reverse his direction and hurry alongside the young Jedi in order to carry on the conversation. Several other guards fall in behind them in     the darkness. LUKE I must speak with Jabba. Bib answers in Huttese, shaking his head in denial. Luke stops and stares at Bib; he raises his hand slightly. LUKE You will take me to Jabba now! Bib turns in hypnotic response to Luke's command, and Luke follows him into the gloom. LUKE You serve your master well. Bib responds. LUKE And you will be rewarded. 17  INT JABBA'S THRONE ROOM                                        17 Jabba is asleep on his throne, with Leia lying in front of him. Salacious sits by Jabba's tail, watching it wriggle. Leia is now dressed in the skimpy costume of a dancing girl; a chain runs from a manacle/necklace at her throat to her new master, Jabba the Hutt. Threepio stands behind Jabba as Bib comes up to the gangster slug. THREEPIO At last! Master Luke's come to rescue me. BIB Master. Jabba awakens with a start and Bib continues, in Huttese. BIB ...Luke Skywalker, Jedi Knight. JABBA (in Huttese subtitled) I told you not to admit him. LUKE I must be allowed to speak. BIB (in Huttese subtitled) He must be allowed to speak. Jabba, furious, clobbers Bib and shoves him away. JABBA (in Huttese subtitled) You weak-minded fool! He's using an old Jedi mind trick. Luke stares hard at Jabba. LUKE You will bring Captain Solo and the Wookiee to me. JABBA (in Huttese subtitled) Your mind powers will not work on me, boy. LUKE Nevertheless, I'm taking Captain Solo and his friends. You can either profit by this... or               be destroyed! It's your choice. But I warn you not to underestimate my powers. Jabba's laugh is mean and loud. Threepio attempts to warn Luke about the pit. THREEPIO Master Luke, you're standing on... JABBA (in Huttese subtitled) There will be no bargain, young Jedi. I shall enjoy watching you die. Luke reaches out, and a pistol jumps out of a guard's holster and flies into Luke's hand. The bewildered guard grabs for it as     Jabba raises his hand. JABBA Bascka! The floor suddenly drops away, sending Luke and the hapless guard into the pit. The pistol goes off, blasting a hole in the ceiling. Jabba laughs and his courtiers join in. Leia starts forward but is restrained by a human guard-- Lando, recognizable behind his mask. She looks at him and he shakes his head "no." 18  INT RANCOR PIT                                                 18 Luke and the guard have dropped twenty-five feet from a chute into the dungeonlike cage. Luke gets to his feet as the guard yells hysterically for help. A crowd gathers up around the edge of the pit as the door in the side of the pit starts to RUMBLE open. The guard screams in panic. Luke looks calmly around for a     means of escape. THREEPIO Oh, no! The Rancor! At the side of the pit, an iron door rumbles upward and a giant, fanged RANCOR emerges. The guard runs to the side of the pit and tries futilely to scramble to the top. The hideous beast closes in on him. The Rancor moves past Luke, and as the guard continues to     scramble, the Rancor picks him up and pops him into its slavering jaws. A few screams, and the guard is swallowed with a gulp. The audience cheers and laughs at the guard's fate. The monster turns and starts for Luke. The young Jedi dashes away just ahead of the monster's swipe at him, and picks up the long arm bone of an earlier victim. The monster grabs Luke and brings him up to his salivating mouth. At the last moment, Luke wedges the bone in the monster's mouth and is dropped to the floor. The monster bellows in rage and flails about, hitting the side of the pit, causing an avalanche. The monster crushes the bone in its jaws and sees Luke, who squeezes into a crevice in the pit wall. Luke looks past the monster to the holding cave beyond. On the far side of the holding cave is a utility door--if only he can get to it. The Rancor spots Luke and reaches into the crevice for him. Luke grabs a large rock and raises it, smashing it down on the Rancor's finger. 19  HOLDING TUNNEL - RANCOR PIT                                    19 The Rancor lets out a loud howl as Luke makes a run for the holding cave. He reaches the door and pushes a button to open it. When he succeeds, he sees a heavy barred gate between him and safety. Beyond the gate two guards look up from their dinner. Luke turns to see the monster heading for him, and pulls with all his might on the gate. The guards move to the gate and start poking at the young Jedi with spears, laughing. Luke crouches (against the wall) as the monster starts to reach for him. Suddenly he notices a main door control panel halfway up     the wall. As the Rancor moves in for the kill, Luke picks up a     skull from the cave floor and hurls it at the panel. The giant overhead door comes crashing down on the beast's head, squashing it like a sledgehammer on an egg. A startled gasp is heard from the stunned court. There's     consternation at this turn of events. Heads look to Jabba, who is     actually turning red with anger. Leia cannot suppress her joy. Jabba utters harsh commands to his guards and they hurry off. JABBA (in Huttese subtitled) Bring me Solo and the Wookiee. They will all suffer for this outrage. 21  INT RANCOR PIT                                                 21 The Rancor KEEPERS have come into the cage and are examining their dead beast. One of them breaks down and weeps. The other glares menacingly at Luke, who is unworried. Several guards rush into the holding tunnel and take Luke away. 22  INT THRONE ROOM                                                22 The crowd of creepy courtiers parts as Han and Chewie are brought into the throne room, and other guards drag Luke up the steps. LUKE Han! HAN Luke! LUKE Are you all right? HAN Fine. Together again, huh? LUKE Wouldn't miss it. HAN How are we doing? LUKE The same as always. HAN That bad, huh? Where's Leia? Luke looks to Leia. LEIA I'm here. Threepio is standing behind the grotesque gangster as he strokes Leia like a pet cat. Several of the guards, including Lando, bring Luke from the other side of the room. Boba is standing behind Jabba. Threepio steps forward and translates for the captives. THREEPIO Oh, dear. His High Exaltedness, the great Jabba the Hutt, has decreed that you are to               be terminated immediately. HAN Good, I hate long waits. THREEPIO You will therefore be taken to the Dune Sea and cast into the pit of Carkoon, the nesting place of the all-powerful Sarlacc. HAN (to Luke) Doesn't sound so bad. THREEPIO In his belly, you will find a new definition of pain and suffering, as you are slowly digested over a thousand years. HAN On second thought, let's pass on that, huh? Chewie barks his agreement. LUKE You should have bargained, Jabba. That's the last mistake you'll ever make. Jabba cackles evilly at this. As the guards drag the prisoners from the throne room, a loud cheer rises from the crowd. Leia and Chewie exchange concerned looks, but Luke Skywalker, Jedi warrior, cannot suppress a smile. 23  EXT TATOOINE SEA - SKIFF                                       23 Jabba's huge SAIL BARGE moves above the desert surface accompanied by two smaller SKIFFS. One of the skiffs glides close, revealing Luke, Han, and Chewie -- all in bonds -- surrounded by guards, one of whom is Lando in disguise. HAN I think my eyes are getting better. Instead of a big dark blur, I see a big light blur. LUKE There's nothing to see. I used to live here, you know. HAN You're gonna die here, you know. Convenient. LUKE Just stick close to Chewie and Lando. I've               taken care of everything. HAN Oh... great! 24  INT BARGE OBSERVATION DECK                                     24 Jabba the Hutt rides like a sultan in the massive antigravity ship. His entire retinue is with him, drinking, eating, and having a good time. Leia is watching her friends in the skiff when the chain attached to her neck is pulled tight and Jabba tugs the scantily clad princess to him. JABBA (in Huttese subtitled) Soon you will learn to appreciate me. Threepio wanders among the Sail Barge aliens, bumping into a     smaller droid serving drinks, spilling them all over the place. The stubby droid lets out an angry series of beeps and whistles. THREEPIO Oh, I'm terribly sor... Artoo! What are you doing here? Artoo beeps a quick reply. THREEPIO Well, I can see you're serving drinks, but this place is dangerous. They're going to               execute Master Luke and, if we're not careful, us too! Artoo whistles a singsong response. THREEPIO Hmm. I wish I had your confidence. 25  EXT SARLACC PIT                                                25 The convoy moves up over a huge sand pit. The Sail Barge stops to     one side of the depression, as does the escort skiff. But the prisoner's skiff moves out directly over the center and hovers. At the bottom of the deep cone of sand is a repulsive, mucous- lined hole, surrounded by thousands of needle-sharp teeth. This is the SARLACC. A plank is extended from the edge of the prisoner's skiff. Guards release Luke's bonds and shove him out onto the plank above the Sarlacc's mouth. 26  EXT SAIL BARGE OBSERVATION DECK                                26 Jabba and Leia are now by the rail, watching. Threepio leans forward and the slobbering villain mumbles something to him. As     Threepio steps up to a comlink, Jabba raises his arm and the motley array of intergalactic pirates fall silent. Threepio's     voice is amplified across loudspeakers. THREEPIO Victims of the almighty Sarlacc: His Excellency hopes that you will die honorably. But should any of you wish to beg for mercy, the great Jabba the Hutt will now listen to               your pleas. 27  EXT SKIFF                                                      27 Han steps forward arrogantly and begins to speak. HAN Threepio, you tell that slimy piece of... worm-ridden filth he'll get no such pleasure from us. Right? Chewie growls his agreement. LUKE Jabba! This is your last chance. Free us or               die. Lando moves unobtrusively along the skiff as Luke shoots a quick look of conspiracy to him. 28  INT SAIL BARGE OBSERVATION DECK                                28 The assembled monsters rock with mocking laughter as Artoo zips unnoticed up the ramp to the upper deck. Jabba's laughter subsides as he speaks into the comlink. JABBA (in Huttese subtitled) Move him into position. Jabba makes a thumbs-down gesture. Leia looks worried. 29  EXT BARGE - UPPER DECK                                         29 Artoo appears from below and zips over to the rail facing the pit. Below, in the skiff, Luke is prodded by a guard to the edge of the plank over the gaping Sarlacc. Luke looks up at Artoo, then gives a jaunty salute: the signal the little droid has been waiting for. A flap opens in Artoo's domed head. JABBA (in Huttese subtitled) Put him in. 30  EXT SKIFF - PLANK                                              30 Luke is prodded and jumps off the plank to the cheers of the bloodthirsty spectators. But, before anyone can even perceive what is happening, he spins around and grabs the end of the plank by his fingertips. The plank bends wildly from his weight and catapults him skyward. In midair he does a complete flip and drops down on the end of the plank in the same spot he just vacated, but facing the skiff. He casually extends an open palm and -- his lightsaber, which Artoo has sent arcing toward him, drops into his hand. With samurai speed, Luke ignites it and attacks the guard who prodded him off the plank, sending the hapless monster screaming overboard. The other guards swarm toward Luke. He wades into them, lightsaber flashing. Lando struggles with another guard at     the back of the skiff. 31  EXT SARLACC PIT                                                31 A bewildered guard lands in the soft, sandy slope of the pit, and begins sliding. He claws desperately as a Sarlacc tentacle grabs him and pulls him screaming into the viscous mouth. 32  INT SAIL BARGE                                                 32 Jabba watches this and explodes in rage. He barks commands, and the guards around him rush off to do his bidding. The scuzzy creatures watching the action from the window are in an uproar. 33  EXT SKIFF                                                      33 Luke knocks another guard off the skiff and into the waiting mouth of the Sarlacc. He starts to untie Chewie's bonds. LUKE Easy, Chewie. At that moment, the deck gunmen on the barge unleash a series of     blasts from a big cannon on the upper deck. Lando is tossed from the deck of the rocking skiff. He manages to grab a rope, and dangles desperately above the Sarlacc pit. LANDO Whoa! Whoa! Help! 34  EXT UPPER DECK - SAIL BARGE                                    34 With two swift strides, the dangerous Boba Fett ignites his rocket pack, leaps into the air, and flies from the barge down to     the skiff. 35  EXT SKIFF                                                      35 Boba lands on the skiff and starts to aim his laser gun at Luke, who has freed Han and Chewie from their bonds. But before Boba can fire, the young Jedi spins on him, lightsaber sweeping, and hacks the bounty hunter's gun in half. Immediately, the skiff takes another direct hit from the barge's     deck gun. Shards of skiff deck fly. Chewie and Han are thrown against the rail. HAN Chewie, you okay? Where is he? The Wookiee is wounded and he howls in pain. HAN I'm okay, pal. For a moment, Luke is distracted, and in that moment, Boba fires a cable out of his armored sleeve. Instantly, Luke is wrapped in     a strong cable, his arms pinned against his side, his sword arm free only from the wrist down. Luke bends his wrist so the lightsaber points straight up to reach the wire lasso and cuts through. Luke shrugs away the cable and stands free. Another blast from the Barge's deck gun hits near Boba and he is     knocked unconscious to the deck, next to where Lando is hanging. LANDO Han! Chewie? HAN Lando! Luke is a little shaken but remains standing as a fusillade brackets him. The second skiff, loaded with guards firing their weapons, moves in on Luke fast. Luke leaps toward the incoming second skiff. The young Jedi leaps into the middle of the second skiff and begins decimating the guards from their midst. Chewie, wounded, tries to lift himself as he barks directions to     Han, guiding him toward a spear which has been dropped by one of      the guards. Han searches the deck as Chewie barks directions; finally he grabs hold of the spear. Boba Fett, badly shaken, rises from the deck. He looks over at     the other skiff, where Luke is whipping a mass of guards. Boba raises his arm, and aims his lethal appendage. Chewie barks desperately at Han. HAN Boba Fett?! Boba Fett?! Where? The space pirate turns around blindly, and the long spear in his hand whacks squarely in the middle of Boba's rocket pack. The impact of the swing causes the rocket pack to ignite. Boba blasts off, flying over the second skiff like a missile, smashing against the side of the huge Sail Barge and sliding away into the pit. He screams as his armored body makes its last flight past Lando and directly into the mucous mouth of the Sarlacc. The Sarlacc burps. Chewie growls a weak congratulations to Han. 36  INT SAIL BARGE                                                 36 Leia turns from the spectacle outside, leaps onto Jabba's throne, and throws the chain that enslaves her over his head around his bulbous neck. Then she dives off the other side of the throne, pulling the chain violently in her grasp. Jabba's flaccid neck contracts beneath the tightening chain. His huge eyes bulge from their sockets and his scum-coated tongue flops out. The Exalted Hutt's huge tail spasms through its death throes and then slams down into final stillness. Leia struggles to free herself of her bondage. 37  EXT SKIFF                                                      37 Luke continues to destroy the aliens on the guards' skiff, as Han extends his spear downward to Lando, who is still dangling precariously from a rope on the prisoner's skiff. HAN Lando, grab it! LANDO Lower it! HAN I'm trying! A major hit from the barge deck gun knocks the skiff on its side. Han and almost everything else on board slides overboard. The rope breaks, and Lando falls to the side of the Sarlacc pit. Luckily, Han's foot catches on the skiff railing and he dangles above Lando and the pit. The wounded Wookiee holds onto the skiff for dear life as another hit from the deck gun rocks the skiff violently. HAN Whoa! Whoa! Grab me, Chewie! I'm slipping. Chewie grabs hold of Han's feet, holding him upside down, as Han extends the spear toward Lando, who is clutching to the side of     the pit. HAN Grab it! L--Lando. Grab! Luke finishes off the last guard on the second skiff. He sees the deck gun blasting away at his helpless companions. Luke leaps from the skiff, across a chasm of air, to the sheer metallic side of the Sail Barge. Barely able to get a fingerhold, he begins a     painful climb up the hull, when suddenly an ax smashes through a      window an inch from his head. With Jedi agility, Luke grasps the wrist holding the ax and yanks the helpless guard through the broken window and into the deadly pit. The injured Chewie is reaching over the rail for the dangling Han, who is in turn blindly reaching down toward the desperate Lando. The Baron has stopped his slippage down the sandy slope of     the Sarlacc pit by lying very still. Every time he tries to reach for Han, the loose sand moves him closer to his final reward. HAN Grab it! Almost... You almost got it! Another blast hits the front of the tilted skiff, causing Lando to let go of the spear. LANDO Hold it! Whoa! Again Han extends the spear toward Lando. HAN Gently now. All... all right. Now easy, easy. Hold me, Chewie. Lando screams. One of the Sarlacc's tentacles has wrapped tightly around his ankle, dragging him down the side of the pit. HAN Chewie! Chewie, give me the gun. Don't move, Lando. LANDO No, wait! I thought you were blind! HAN It's all right. Trust me. Don't move. LANDO All right! A little higher! Just a little higher! Han adjusts his aim as Lando lowers his head, and the fuzzy-eyed pirate fires at the tentacle. Direct hit. The tentacle releases Lando, and Chewie starts to pull them on board the skiff. HAN Chewie, Pull us up! Come on! Okay... up, Chewie, up! 38  EXT UPPER DECK                                                 38 The deck gunners have Chewie and the desperate dangling human chain in their gun sights when something up on deck commands their attention: Luke, standing before them like a pirate king, ignites his lightsaber. The deck gunners have barely reached for their pistols before the young Jedi has demolished them. Immediately, Luke turns to see two more gunners (who have been     uncovering a giant gun at the end of the barge) racing for him, firing their laser pistols. 39  INT SAIL BARGE - OBSERVATION DECK                              39 Leia is struggling against her chains in desperation as Artoo zips through the tumult of confused monsters to the rescue; the stubby little droid extends a small laser gun and blasts the chain apart. LEIA Come on. We gotta get out of here quick. Artoo and Leia race for the exit, passing Threepio, who is     kicking and screaming as Salacious Crumb, the reptilian monkey- monster picks out one of the golden droid's eyes. THREEPIO Not my eyes! Artoo, help! Quickly, Artoo. Oh! Ohhh! You beast! Artoo zips over and zaps Salacious, sending him skyward with a     scream, crashing into the rafters as Artoo, Leia, and Threepio (with his eye dangling from a wire) hurry off. 40  EXT UPPER DECK - SAIL BARGE                                    40 Luke is warding off laser blasts with his lightsaber, surrounded by guards and fighting like a demon. Leia emerges onto the deck as Luke turns to face another guard. LUKE (to Leia) Get the gun! Point it at the deck! Leia turns toward the barge cannon, climbs on the platform, and swivels the gun around. LUKE Point it at the deck! A laser blast hits Luke's mechanical hand and he bends over in     pain, but manages to swing his lightsaber upward and take out the last of the guards. He looks at the wounded hand, which reveals the mechanism. He flexes the hand; it still works. Near the rail of the upper deck, Artoo and Threepio steady themselves as Threepio gets ready to jump. Artoo beeps wildly. THREEPIO Artoo, where are we going? I couldn't               possibly jump. Artoo butts the golden droid over the edge and steps off himself, tumbling toward the sand. Luke runs along the empty deck toward Leia and the barge gun, which she has brought around to point down at the deck. LUKE Come on! Luke has hold on one of the rigging ropes from the mast. He     gathers Leia in his other arm and kicks the trigger of the deck gun. The gun explodes into the deck as Luke and Leia swing out toward the skiff. 41  EXT SKIFF                                                      41 Han leans panting against the rail as Chewie helps Lando onto the deck. Luke and Leia land on the skiff with flair. LUKE Let's go! And don't forget the droids. LANDO We're on our way. The Sail Barge is exploding in stages in the distance. Half of     the huge craft is on fire. 42  EXT SAND DUNE                                                  42 Threepio's legs stick straight up from the dune where he landed. Next to it, Artoo's periscope is the only thing above the sand. The skiff floats above them and two large electromagnets dangle down on a wire. With a loud CLANG, both droids are pulled from the sand. 43  EXT DUNE SEA                                                   43 The little skiff skips around the burning Sail Barge, which continues its chain of explosions. As the skiff sails off across the desert, the barge settles to the sand and disappears in one final conflagration. 44  EXT DUNE SEA - LANDING AREA                                    44 A ferocious sandstorm blocks our view. Then, through the ROAR, we     HEAR THE VOICES of our heroes. They emerge slowly from the veil of sand, pressing on against the wind. First come Artoo and Threepio, followed by Leia guiding Han, then Luke and Lando come into view, each supporting one side of the towering Chewbacca, who hobbles from his wound. Soon, they can make out some large vague shapes in the blowing sand. It is the Millennium Falcon and, parked beside it, Luke's     trusty X-wing and a two-seated Y-wing. They must shout to be     heard. HAN I don't know. All I can see is a lot of               blowing sand! LEIA That's all any of us can see. HAN (blinking) Then I guess I'm getting better. As soon as the group huddles under the bulk of the Falcon, the wind dies down to something more describable as a severe weather condition. Threepio hits a switch, and the gang-plank lowers with a HUM. HAN (turning to Luke) I've got to hand it to you, kid, you were pretty good out there. LUKE (shrugging it off) I had a lot of help. Think nothing of it. HAN No, I'm thinking a lot about it. That carbon freeze was the closest thing to dead there is. And it wasn't just sleepin'. It was a big wide awake nothing! Luke nods, as Chewie growls affectionately at the young Jedi warrior, mussing his hair like a proud uncle. And Leia warmly hugs him. LUKE (moving to his ship) I'll see you back at the fleet. HAN Why don't you leave that crate and come with us? LUKE I have a promise I have to keep first... to               an old friend. Luke and Artoo take off in their spacecraft. HAN (looking dubiously at Lando, obviously               remembering his friend's betrayal and                subsequent aide) Guess I owe you some thanks, too, Lando. LANDO Figured if I left you frozen like that you'd               just give me bad luck the rest of my life, so                I might as well get you unfrozen sooner or                later. LEIA He means "You're welcome." LANDO Come on, let's get off this miserable dust ball. 44A EXT SPACE ABOVE TATOOINE                                      44A The desolate yellow planet fills the screen, Luke's X-wing appears and peels off to the left. A moment later, the FALCON appears as a dot and grows huge, to roar directly over the CAMERA. 45  INT X-WING - COCKPIT                                           45 Luke is at the controls, with Artoo attached behind him outside the canopy. Luke speaks into his comlink to the others, in the MILLENNIUM FALCON. LUKE I'll meet you back at the fleet. LEIA (over comlink) Hurry. The Alliance should be assembled by               now. LUKE I will. HAN (over comlink) Hey, Luke, thanks. Thanks for comin' after me. Now I owe you one. A message from Artoo appears on the small monitor screen in front of Luke. He smiles at the monitor and speaks to Artoo, as he     pulls a black glove on to cover his wounded mechanical hand. LUKE That's right, Artoo. We're going to the Dagobah system. I have a     promise to keep... to an old friend. 46  EXT SPACE - DEATH STAR AND ENDOR                               46 A Super Star Destroyer and several ships of the Imperial Fleet rest in space above the half-completed Death Star and its green neighbor, Endor. Four squads of TIE fighters escort an Imperial shuttle toward the Death Star. 47  INT DEATH STAR - CORRIDOR TO DOCKING BAY                       47 Lord Vader strides down the hallway, accompanied by a very nervous Death Star commander. 48  INT DOCKING BAY - DEATH STAR                                   48 Thousands of Imperial troops in tight formation fill the mammoth docking bay. Vader and the officer walk to the landing platform, where the shuttle is coming to rest. The shuttle's ramp lowers and the Emperor's Royal Guards come out and create a lethal perimeter. The assembled troops move to rigid attention with a momentous SNAP. Then, in the huge SILENCE which follows, the EMPEROR appears. He     is a rather small, shriveled old man. His bent frame slowly makes its way down the ramp with the aid of a gnarled cane. He wears a     hooded cloak similar to the one Ben wears, except that it is      black. The Emperor's face is shrouded and difficult to see, except for his piercing yellow eyes. Commander Jerjerrod and Darth Vader kneel to him. The Supreme Ruler of the galaxy beckons to the Dark Lord. EMPEROR (to Vader) Rise, my friend. Vader rises and falls in next to the Emperor as he slowly makes his way along the rows of troops. Jerjerrod and the other commanders stay kneeling until the Supreme Ruler and Vader, followed by several Imperial dignitaries, pass by; only then do     they join in the procession. VADER The Death Star will be completed on schedule. EMPEROR You have done well, Lord Vader. And now I               sense you wish to continue your search for young Skywalker. VADER Yes, my Master. EMPEROR Patience, my friend. In time he will seek you out. And when he does, you must bring him before me. He has grown strong. Only together can we turn him to the dark side of the Force. VADER As you wish. EMPEROR Everything is proceeding as I have foreseen. He laughs to himself as they pass along the vast line of Imperial troops. 49  EXT YODA'S HOUSE - DAGOBAH                                     49 Once again, Artoo finds himself waiting around in the damp environs of the swamp planet, and he's none too happy about it. He beeps disconsolately to himself and turns to look at Yoda's     cottage. Warm yellow light escapes the oddly shaped windows to     fight the gloom. 50  INT YODA'S HOUSE                                               50 The tip of a walking stick taps hesitantly across the earthen floor of the cottage. Our view travels up the stick to the small green hand that clutches it, and then to the familiar face of     YODA, THE JEDI MASTER. His manner is frail, and his voice, though cheerful, seems weaker. YODA Hmm. That face you make. Look I so old to               young eyes? Luke is sitting in a corner of the cramped space and, indeed, his look has been woeful. Caught, he tries to hide it. LUKE No... of course not. YODA (tickled, chuckles) I do, yes, I do! Sick have I become. Old and weak. (Points a crooked finger) When nine hundred years old you reach, look as good you will not. Hmm? Yoda chuckles at this, coughs, and hobbles over toward his bed. YODA Soon will I rest. Yes, forever sleep. Earned it, I have. Yoda sits himself on his bed, with great effort. LUKE Master Yoda, you can't die. YODA Strong am I with the Force... but not that strong! Twilight is upon me and soon night must fall. That is the way of things ... the way of the Force. LUKE But I need your help. I've come back to               complete the training. YODA No more training do you require. Already know you that which you need. Yoda sighs, and lies back on his bed. LUKE Then I am a Jedi? YODA (shakes his head) Ohhh. Not yet. One thing remains: Vader. You must confront Vader. Then, only then, a Jedi will you be. And confront him you will. Luke is in agony. He is silent for a long moment, screwing up his courage. Finally he is able to ask. LUKE Master Yoda... is Darth Vader my father? Yoda's eyes are full of weariness and compassion. An odd, sad smile creases his face. He turns painfully on his side, away from Luke. YODA Mmm... rest I need. Yes... rest. Luke watches him, each moment an eternity. LUKE Yoda, I must know. YODA Your father he is. Luke reacts as if cut. YODA Told you, did he? LUKE Yes. A new look of concern crosses Yoda's face. He closes his eyes. YODA Unexpected this is, and unfortunate... LUKE Unfortunate that I know the truth? Yoda opens his eyes again and studies the youth. YODA (gathering all his strength) No. Unfortunate that you rushed to face him... that incomplete was your training. Not ready for the burden were you. LUKE Well, I'm sorry. YODA Remember, a Jedi's strength flows from the Force. But beware. Anger, fear, aggression. The dark side are they. Once you start down the dark path, forever will it dominate your destiny. He beckons the young Jedi closer to him. YODA Luke...Luke...Do not...Do not underestimate the powers of the Emperor, or suffer your father's fate, you will. Luke, when gone am I               (cough), the last of the Jedi will you be. Luke, the Force runs strong in your family. Pass on what you have learned, Luke... (with               great effort) There is...                another...Sky...Sky...walker. He catches his breath. A shiver runs through the ancient green creature, and he dies. Luke stares at his dead master as he     disappears in front of his eyes. 51  EXT DAGOBAH SWAMP - X-WING                                     51 Luke wanders back to where his ship is sitting. Artoo beeps a     greeting, but is ignored by his depressed master. Luke kneels down, begins to help Artoo with the ship, then stops and shakes his head dejectedly. LUKE I can't do it, Artoo. I can't go on alone. BEN (OS) Yoda will always be with you. Luke looks up to see the shimmering image of BEN KENOBI. LUKE Obi-Wan! Why didn't you tell me? The ghost of Ben Kenobi approaches him through the swamp. LUKE You told me Vader betrayed and murdered my               father. BEN You father was seduced by the dark side of               the Force. He ceased to be Anakin Skywalker and became Darth Vader. When that happened, the good man who was your father was destroyed. So what I have told you was true... from a certain point of view. LUKE (turning away, derisive) A certain point of view! BEN Luke, you're going to find that many of the truths we cling to depend greatly on our own point of view. Luke is unresponsive. Ben studies him in silence for a moment. BEN I don't blame you for being angry. If I was wrong in what I did, it certainly wouldn't               have been for the first time. You see, what happened to your father was my fault. Ben pauses sadly. BEN Anakin was a good friend. Luke turns with interest at this. As Ben speaks, Luke settles on     a stump, mesmerized. Artoo comes over to offer his comforting presence. BEN When I first knew him, your father was already a great pilot. But I was amazed how strongly the Force was with him. I took it               upon myself to train him as a Jedi. I               thought that I could instruct him just as                well as Yoda. I was wrong. My pride has had terrible consequences for the galaxy. Luke is entranced. LUKE There's still good in him. BEN I also thought he could be turned back to the good side. It couldn't be done. He is more machine now than man. Twisted and evil. LUKE I can't do it, Ben. BEN You cannot escape your destiny. LUKE I tried to stop him once. I couldn't do it. BEN Vader humbled you when first you met him, Luke...but that experience was part of your training. It taught you, among other things, the value of patience. Had you not been so               impatient to defeat Vader then, you could have finished your training here with Yoda. You would have been prepared. LUKE But I had to help my friends. BEN (grinning at Luke's indignation) And did you help them? It was they who had to               save you. You achieved little by rushing back prematurely, I fear. LUKE (with sadness) I found out Darth Vader was my father. BEN To be a Jedi, Luke, you must confront and then go beyond the dark side - the side your father couldn't get past. Impatience is               the easiest door - for you, like your father. Only, your father was seduced by what he               found on the other side of the door, and you have held firm. You're no longer so reckless now, Luke. You are strong and patient. And now, you must face Darth Vader again! LUKE I can't kill my own father. BEN Then the Emperor has already won. You were our only hope. LUKE Yoda spoke of another. BEN The other he spoke of is your twin sister. LUKE But I have no sister. BEN Hmm. To protect you both from the Emperor, you were hidden from your father when you were born. The Emperor knew, as I did, if               Anakin were to have any offspring, they would be a threat to him. That is the reason why your sister remains safely anonymous. LUKE Leia! Leia's my sister. BEN Your insight serves you well. Bury your feelings deep down, Luke. They do you credit. But they could be made to serve the Emperor. Luke looks into the distance, trying to comprehend all this. BEN (continuing his narrative) When your father left, he didn't know your mother was pregnant. Your mother and I knew he would find out eventually, but we wanted to keep you both as safe as possible, for as               long as possible. So I took you to live with my brother Owen on Tatooine... and your mother took Leia to live as the daughter of Senator Organa, on Alderaan. Luke turns, and settles near Ben to hear the tale. BEN (attempting to give solace with his words) The Organa household was high-born and politically quite powerful in that system. Leia became a princess by virtue of               lineage... no one knew she'd been adopted, of               course. But it was a title without real power, since Alderaan had long been a               democracy. Even so, the family continued to               be politically powerful, and Leia, following in her foster father's path, became a senator as well. That's not all she became, of               course... she became the leader of her cell in the Alliance against the corrupt Empire. And because she had diplomatic immunity, she was a vital link for getting information to               the Rebel cause. That's what she was doing when her path crossed yours... for her foster parents had always told her to contact me on               Tatooine, if her troubles became desperate. Luke is overwhelmed by the truth, and is suddenly protective of     his sister. LUKE But you can't let her get involved now, Ben. Vader will destroy her. BEN She hasn't been trained in the ways of the Jedi the way you have, Luke ... but the Force is strong with her, as it is with all of your family. There is no avoiding the battle. You must face and destroy Vader! 52  EXT SPACE - REBEL FLEET                                        52 The vast Rebel Fleet stretches as far as the eye can see. Overhead a dozen small Corellian battleships fly in formation. Fighters and battlecruisers surround the largest of the Rebel Star Cruisers, the HEADQUARTERS FRIGATE. 53  INT HEADQUARTERS FRIGATE - MAIN BRIEFING ROOM                  53 Hundreds of Rebel commanders of all races and forms are assembled in the WAR ROOM. WEDGE is among them. In the center of the room is a holographic model depicting the half-completed Imperial Death Star, the nearby Moon of Endor, and the protecting deflector shield. MON MOTHMA, the leader of the Alliance, enters the room. She is a     stern but beautiful woman in her fifties. Conferring with her are several military leaders, including GENERAL MADINE and ADMIRAL ACKBAR (a salmon-colored Mon Calamari). Lando moves through the crowd until he finds Han and Chewie, standing next to Leia and the two droids. Han peers at Lando's new insignia on his chest, and is amused. HAN Well, look at you, a general, huh? LANDO Oh, well, someone must have told them about my little maneuver at the battle of Taanab. HAN (sarcastic) Well, don't look at me, pal. I just said you were a fair pilot. I didn't know they were lookin' for somebody to lead this crazy attack. LANDO (smiling) I'm surprised they didn't ask you to do it. HAN Well, who says they didn't. But I                ain't crazy. You're the respectable one, remember? Mon Mothma signals for attention, and the room falls silent. MON MOTHMA The Emperor has made a critical error and the time for our attack has come. This causes a stir. Mon Mothma turns to a holographic model of     the Death Star, the Endor moon and the protecting deflector shield in the center of the room. MON MOTHMA The data brought to us by the Bothan spies pinpoints the exact location of the Emperor's               new battle station. We also know that the weapon systems of this Death Star are not yet operational. With the Imperial Fleet spread throughout the galaxy in a vain effort to               engage us, it is relatively unprotected. But most important of all, we've learned that the Emperor himself is personally overseeing the final stages of the construction of this Death Star. A volley of spirited chatter erupts from the crowd. Han turns to     Leia as Chewie barks his amazement. MON MOTHMA (cont) Many Bothans died to bring us this information. Admiral Ackbar, please. Admiral Ackbar steps forward and points to the Death Star's force field and the Moon of Endor. ACKBAR You can see here the Death Star orbiting the forest Moon of Endor. Although the weapon systems on this Death Star are not yet operational, the Death Star does have a               strong defense mechanism. It is protected by               an energy shield, which is generated from the nearby forest Moon of Endor. The shield must be deactivated if any attack is to be               attempted. Once the shield is down, our cruisers will create a perimeter, while the fighters fly into the superstructure and attempt to knock out the main reactor. There's a concerned murmur. ACKBAR (cont) General Calrissian has volunteered to lead the fighter attack Han turns to Lando with a look of respect. HAN Good luck. Lando nods his thanks. HAN You're gonna need it. ACKBAR General Madine. Madine moves center stage. GENERAL MADINE We have stolen a small Imperial shuttle. Disguised as a cargo ship, and using a secret Imperial code, a strike team will land on the moon and deactivate the shield generator. The assembly begins to mumble among themselves. THREEPIO Sounds dangerous. LEIA (to Han) I wonder who they found to pull that off. GENERAL MADINE General Solo, is your strike team assembled? Leia, startled, looks up at Han, surprise changing to admiration. HAN Uh, my team's ready. I don't have a command crew for the shuttle. Chewbacca raises his hairy paw and volunteers. Han looks up at     him. HAN Well, it's gonna be rough, pal. I didn't want to speak for you. Chewie waves that off with a huge GROWL. HAN (smiles) That's one. LEIA Uh, General... count me in. VOICE (OS) I'm with you, too! They turn in that direction and peer into the crowd as there are more cheers. The commanders part, and there at the back stands Luke. Han and Leia are surprised and delighted. Leia moves to Luke and embraces him warmly. She senses a change in him and looks into his eyes questioningly. LEIA What is it? LUKE (hesitant) Ask me again sometime. Han, Chewie, and Lando crowd around Luke as the assembly breaks up. HAN Luke. LUKE Hi, Han... Chewie. Artoo beeps a singsong observation to a worried Threepio. THREEPIO "Exciting" is hardly the word I would use. 54  INT HEADQUARTERS FRIGATE - MAIN DOCKING BAY                    54 The Millennium Falcon rests beyond the stolen IMPERIAL SHUTTLE, which looks anomalous among all the Rebel ships in the vast docking bay. Chewie barks a final farewell to Lando and leads Artoo and Threepio up the shuttle, crowded now with the Rebel strike team loading weapons and supplies. Lando turns to face Han. Luke and Leia have said their good-byes and start up the ramp. HAN Look. I want you to take her. I mean it. Take her. You need all the help you can get. She's               the fastest ship in the fleet. LANDO All right, old buddy. You know, I know what she means to you. I'll take good care of her. She-she won't get a scratch. All right? HAN (looks at him warmly) Right. I got your promise now. Not a scratch. LANDO Look, would you get going, you pirate. Han and Lando pause, then exchange salutes. LANDO Good luck. HAN You, too. Han goes up the ramp. Lando watches him go and then slowly turns away. 55  INT IMPERIAL SHUTTLE - COCKPIT                                 55 Luke is working on a back control panel as Han comes in and takes the pilot's seat. Chewie, in the seat next to him, is trying to     figure out all the Imperial controls. HAN You got her warmed? LUKE Yeah, she's comin' up. Chewie growls a complaint. HAN No. I don't think the Empire had Wookiees in               mind when they designed her, Chewie. Leia comes in from the hold and takes her seat near Luke. Chewie barks and hits some switches. Han's glance has stuck on     something out the window: the Millennium Falcon. Leia nudges him gently. LEIA Hey, are you awake? HAN Yeah, I just got a funny feeling. Like I'm               not gonna see her again. Chewie, hearing this, stops his activity and looks longingly out at the Falcon, too. Leia puts a hand on Han's shoulder. LEIA (softly) Come on, General, let's move. Han snaps back to life. HAN Right. Chewie, let's see what this piece of               junk can do. Ready, everybody? LUKE All set. THREEPIO Here we go again. HAN All right, hang on. 56  EXT SPACE - THE REBEL FLEET                                    56 The stolen Imperial shuttle leaves the main docking bay of the Headquarters Frigate, lowers its wings into flight position, and zooms off into space. 57  INT EMPEROR'S THRONE ROOM                                      57 The converted control room is dimly lit, except for a pool of     light at the far end. There the Emperor sits in an elaborate control chair before a large window which looks out across the half-completed Death Star to the giant green moon of Endor. Darth Vader, standing with other members of the Imperial council, cautiously approaches his master. The ruler's back is to Vader. After several tense moments, the Emperor's chair rotates around to face him. VADER What is thy bidding, my Master? EMPEROR Send the fleet to the far side of Endor. There it will stay until called for. VADER What of the reports of the Rebel fleet massing near Sullust? EMPEROR It is of no concern. Soon the Rebellion will be crushed and young Skywalker will be one of               us! Your work here is finished, my friend. Go               out to the command ship and await my orders. VADER Yes, my Master. Vader bows, then turns and exits the throne room as the Emperor walks toward the waiting council members. 58  EXT SPACE - DEATH STAR - MOON                                  58 There is a great deal of Imperial traffic in the area as     construction proceeds on the Death Star. Transports, TIE fighters, and a few Star Destroyers move about. Now the huge Super Star Destroyer announces itself with a low roar and soon fills the frame. 59  INT STOLEN IMPERIAL SHUTTLE - COCKPIT                          59 Han looks back at Luke and Leia as Chewie flips several switches. Through the viewscreen, the Death Star and the huge Super Star Destroyer can be seen. HAN If they don't go for this, we're gonna have to get outta here pretty quick, Chewie. Chewie growls his agreement. CONTROLLER (over radio) We have you on our screen now. Please identify. HAN Shuttle Tydirium requesting deactivation of               the deflector shield. CONTROLLER (over radio) Shuttle Tydirium, transmit the clearance code for shield passage. HAN Transmission commencing. Leia and Chewbacca listen tensely as the sound of a high speed transmission begins. LEIA Now we find out if that code is worth the price we paid. HAN It'll work. It'll work. Chewie whines nervously. Luke stares at the Huge Super Star Destroyer that looms ever larger before them. LUKE Vader's on that ship. HAN Now don't get jittery, Luke. There are a lot of command ships. Keep your distance though, Chewie, but don't look like you're trying to               keep your distance. Chewie barks a question. HAN I don't know. Fly casual. LUKE I'm endangering the mission. I shouldn't have come. HAN It's your imagination, kid. Come on. Let's               keep a little optimism here. Chewie barks his worries as the Super Star Destroyer grows larger out the window. 60  INT VADER'S STAR DESTROYER - BRIDGE                            60 Lord Vader stands, back to us, staring out a window at the Death Star. Now, some vibration felt only by him causes him to turn. After a moment of stillness, he walks down the row of controllers to where ADMIRAL PIETT is leaning over the tracking screen of the controller we've seen earlier. Piett straightens at Vader's     approach. VADER Where is that shuttle going? PIETT (into comlink) Shuttle Tydirium, what is your cargo and destination? PILOT VOICE (HAN)(filtered) Parts and technical crew for the forest moon. The Bridge Commander looks to Vader for a reaction. VADER Do they have a code clearance? PIETT It's an older code, sir, but it checks out. I               was about to clear them. Vader looks upward, as he senses Luke's presence. PIETT Shall I hold them? VADER No. Leave them to me. I will deal with them myself. PIETT (surprised) As you wish, my lord. (to controller) Carry on. Piett nods at controller, who switches on his comlink. 61  INT STOLEN IMPERIAL SHUTTLE - COCKPIT                          61 The group waits tensely. HAN They're not goin' for it, Chewie. CONTROLLER (filtered) Shuttle Tydirium, deactivation of the shield will commence immediately. Follow your present course. Everyone breaths a sigh of relief. Everyone but Luke, who looks worried. Chewie barks. HAN Okay! I told you it was gonna work. No               problem. 62  EXT SPACE - STOLEN IMPERIAL SHUTTLE - ENDOR                    62 The stolen Imperial shuttle moves off toward the green Sanctuary Moon. 63  EXT FOREST LANDING SITE - ENDOR                                63 The stolen Imperial shuttle sits in a clearing of the moon's     dark, primeval forest, dwarfed by the ancient towering trees. On an adjacent hill, the helmeted Rebel contingent makes its way up a steep trail. Leia and Han are slightly ahead of Chewie and Luke. The troops of the strike-team squad follow, with Artoo and Threepio bringing up the rear. Artoo beeps. Up ahead, Chewie and Leia reach a crest in the hill and drop suddenly to the ground, signaling the rest of the group to stop. Han and Luke crawl up to take a look. THREEPIO Oh, I told you it was dangerous here. THEIR POV. Not far below them, two IMPERIAL SCOUTS are wandering through bushes in the valley below. Their two ROCKET BIKES are parked nearby. LEIA Shall we try and go around? HAN It'll take time. This whole party'll be for nothing if they see us. Leia motions for the squad to stay put, then she, Han, Luke and Chewie start quietly down. 64  EXT FOREST CLEARING - CAMPSITE                                 64 The four friends make their way to the edge of the clearing not far from the two Imperial scouts. HAN Chewie and I will take care of this. You stay here. LUKE Quietly, there might be more of them out there. HAN (grins) Hey... it's me. Han and Chewie turn and start through the bushes toward the scouts. Luke and Leia exchange smiles. Han sneaks up behind one of the scouts, steps on a twig and the scout whirls, knocking Han into a tree. The scout shouts for his companion. SCOUT #1 Go for help! Go! The second scout jumps on his speeder bike and takes off, but Chewie gets off a shot on his crossbow laser weapon, causing the scout to crash into a tree. Han and Scout #1 are in a rousing fistfight. LUKE (sarcastic) Great. Come on. Luke starts for the scuffle, followed by Leia with her laser pistol drawn. As they run through the bushes, Leia stops and points to where two more scouts are sitting on their speeder bikes, with an unoccupied bike parked nearby. LEIA Over there! Two more of them! LUKE I see them. Wait, Leia! But Leia doesn't hear him and races for the remaining speeder bike. She starts it up and takes off as Luke jumps on the bike behind her. LUKE (pointing to the controls) Quick! Jam their comlink. Center switch! Luke and Leia speed into the dense foliage in hot pursuit, barely avoiding two huge trees. HAN Hey, wait! Ahhh! He flips the remaining scout to the ground. 65  EXT FOREST - THE BIKE CHASE                                    65 The two fleeing Imperial scouts have a good lead as Luke and Leia pursue through the giant trees at 200 miles an hour, the fire from their bike's laser cannon hitting harmlessly near the moving targets. LUKE Move closer! Leia guns it, closing the gap, as the two scouts recklessly veer through a narrow gap in the trees. One of the bikes SCRAPES a     tree, slowing the scout. LUKE Get alongside that one! Leia pulls her speeder bike up so close to the scout's bike that their steering vanes SCRAPE noisily. Luke leaps from his bike to     the back of the scout's, grabs the Imperial warrior around the neck, and flips him off the bike, into a thick tree trunk. Luke gains control of the bike and follows Leia, who has pulled ahead. They tear off after the remaining scout. LUKE Get him! The speeding chase passes TWO MORE IMPERIAL SCOUTS. These two swing into pursuit, chasing Luke and Leia, firing away with their laser cannon. The two Rebels look behind them just as Luke's bike takes a glancing hit. LUKE (indicating the one ahead) Keep on that one! I'll take these two! With Leia shooting ahead, Luke suddenly slams his steering vanes into the braking mode. Luke's bike is a blur to the two pursuing scouts as they zip by him on either side. Luke slams his bike into forward and starts firing away, having switched places with his pursuers in a manner of seconds. Luke's aim is good and one scout's bike is blasted out of control. It explodes against a     tree trunk. The scout's cohort takes one glance back at the flash and shifts into turbo drive, going even faster. Luke keeps on his tail. FAR AHEAD, Leia and the first scout are doing a highspeed slalom through the death-dealing trunks. Now Leia aims her bike skyward and rises out of sight. The scout turns in confusion, unable to see his pursuer. Suddenly, Leia dives down upon him from above, cannon blasting. The scout's bike takes a glancing hit. Leia moves in alongside him. The scout eyes her beside him, reaches down, and pulls out a handgun. Before Leia can react, the scout has blasted her bike, sending it out of control. Leia dives off as her bike explodes against a tree. The happy scout looks back at the explosion. But when he turns forward again, he is on     a collision course with a giant fallen tree. He hits his brakes to no avail and disappears in a conflagration. ANOTHER PART OF THE FOREST: Luke and the last remaining scout continue their weaving chase through the trees. Now Luke moves up     close. The scout responds by slamming his bike into Luke's. A     fallen tree forms a bridge across their path. The scout zips under. Luke goes over the top and crashes his bike down on the scout's. Both riders look ahead - a wide trunk looms directly in     Luke's path, but the scout's bike beside him makes it almost impossible for him to avoid it. Luke banks with all his might, leaning almost horizontal over the scout's bike, and is able to     make it by, just clipping the tree. When he straightens, he and the scout discover that their two bikes have locked front vanes and are moving as one. Another big tree looms in Luke's path. He reacts instinctively and dives off his bike. The two bikes come apart a second before Luke's explodes against a tree. The scout sweeps out and circles back to find Luke. Luke rises from the undergrowth as the scout bears down on him and opens fire with his laser cannon. Luke ignites his laser sword and begins deflecting the bolts. The scout's bike keeps coming and it appears that in a second it will cut Luke in half. At the last instant, Luke steps aside and chops off the bike's     control vanes with one mighty slash. The scout's bike begins to     shudder, then, pitching and rolling, it rises up to slam directly into a tree in a giant ball of fire. 66  EXT SCOUT CAMPSITE - FOREST                                    66 Han, Chewie, and the droids, along with the rest of the squad, wait anxiously in the clearing. Artoo's radar screen sticks out of his domed head and revolves, scanning the forest. He beeps. THREEPIO Oh, General Solo, somebody's coming. Oh! Han, Chewie, and the rest of the squad raise their weapons. Luke steps out of the foliage to find the weapons trained on him. He's too tired to care. He plops himself down on a boulder and looks around. HAN Luke! Where's Leia? LUKE (concerned) What? She didn't come back? HAN I thought she was with you. LUKE We got separated. Luke and Han exchange a silent, grim look. Luke gets up wearily. LUKE Hey, we better go look for her. Han nods, and signals to a Rebel officer. HAN Take the squad ahead. We'll meet at the shield generator at 0300. LUKE Come on, Artoo. We'll need your scanners. Luke, Chewie, Han, and the droids move off in one direction as     the squad proceeds in another. THREEPIO Don't worry, Master Luke. We know what to               do. They move off into the woods. THREEPIO (to Artoo) And you said it was pretty here. Ugh! 67  EXT FOREST CLEARING - LEIA'S CRASH SITE                        67 A strange little furry face with huge black eyes comes slowly into view. The creature is an EWOK, by the name of WICKET. He     seems somewhat puzzled, and prods Leia with a spear. The princess groans; this frightens the stubby ball of fuzz and he prods her again. Leia sits up and stares at the three-foot-high Ewok. She tries to figure out where she is and what has happened. Her clothes are torn; she's bruised and disheveled. The Ewok jumps up and grabs a four-foot-long spear, which he     holds in a defensive position. Leia watches him as he circles warily and begins poking her with the sharp point of the spear. LEIA Cut it out! She stands up, and the Ewok quickly backs away. LEIA I'm not gonna hurt you. Leia looks around at the dense forest, and at the charred remains of her speeder bike, then sits down, with a sigh, on a fallen log. LEIA Well, looks like I'm stuck here. Trouble is, I don't know where here is. She puts her head in her hands to rub away some of the soreness from her fall. She looks over at the watchful little Ewok and pats the log beside her. LEIA Well, maybe you can help me. Come on, sit down. Wicket holds his spear up warily and growls at her like a puppy. Leia pats the log again. LEIA I promise I won't hurt you. Now come here. More growls and squeaks from the little bear creature. LEIA All right. You want something to eat? She takes a scrap of food out of her pocket and offers it to him. Wicket takes a step backward, then cocks his head and moves cautiously toward Leia, chattering in his squeaky Ewok language. LEIA That's right. Come on. Hmmm? Sniffing the food curiously, the Ewok comes toward Leia and sits on the log beside her. She takes off her helmet, and the little creature jumps back, startled again. He runs along the log, pointing his spear at her and chattering a blue streak. Leia holds out the helmet to him. LEIA Look, it's a hat. It's not gonna hurt you. Look. You're a jittery little thing, aren't               you? Reassured, Wicket lowers his spear and climbs back on the log, coming to investigate the helmet. Suddenly his ears perk up and he begins to sniff the air. He looks around warily, whispering some Ewokese warning to Leia. LEIA What is it? Suddenly a laser bolt comes out of the foliage and explodes on     the log next to Leia. Leia and Wicket both roll backwards off the log, hiding behind it. Leia holds her own laser gun ready, while Wicket disappears underneath the log. Another shot, and still no     sight of anyone in the forest. Then Leia senses something and turns to find a large IMPERIAL SCOUT standing over her with his weapon pointed at her head. He reaches out his hand for her weapon. SCOUT #l Freeze! Come on, get up! She hands the weapon over, as a second scout emerges from the foliage in front of the log. SCOUT #1 Go get your ride and take her back to base. SCOUT #2 Yes, sir.     The second scout starts toward his bike, as Wicket, crouched under the log, extends his spear and hits the first scout on the leg. The scout jumps and lets out an exclamation, and looks down at Wicket, puzzled. Leia grabs a branch and knocks him out. She dives for his laser pistol, and the second scout, now on his bike, takes off. Leia fires away and hits the escaping bike, causing it to crash into the first scout's bike, which flies end over end and explodes. The forest is quiet once more. Wicket pokes his fuzzy head up from behind the log and regards Leia with new respect. He mumbles his awe. Leia hurries over, looking around all the time, and motions the chubby little creature into the dense foliage. LEIA Come on, let's get outta here. As they move into the foliage, Wicket takes the lead. He shrieks and tugs at Leia to follow him. 68  INT DEATH STAR - CORRIDOR TO EMPEROR'S TOWER                   68 Darth Vader walks down the corridor to the Emperor's Tower and private elevator. The Emperor's private guard steps in Vader's     path. GUARD Halt! The Emperor does not wish to be               disturbed at the moment. VADER (raising his gloved hand to the two guards               and choking them with the Force) The Emperor will see me, now! GUARD (repeating Vader's command) The Emperor will see you, now. 69  INT EMPEROR'S TOWER - THRONE ROOM                              69 Two red Imperial Guards stand watch at the elevator as the door opens to reveal Vader. Vader enters the eerie, foreboding throne room. It appears to be empty. His footsteps echo as he approaches the throne. He waits, absolutely still. The Emperor sits with his back to the Dark Lord. EMPEROR I told you to remain on the command ship. VADER A small Rebel force has penetrated the shield and landed on Endor. EMPEROR (no surprise) Yes, I know. VADER (after a beat) My son is with them. EMPEROR (very cool) Are you sure? VADER I have felt him, my Master. EMPEROR Strange, that I have not. I wonder if your feelings on this matter are clear, Lord Vader. Vader knows what is being asked. VADER They are clear, my Master. EMPEROR Then you must go to the Sanctuary Moon and wait for them. VADER (skeptical) He will come to me? EMPEROR I have foreseen it. His compassion for you will be his undoing. He will come to you and then you will bring him before me. VADER (bows) As you wish. The Dark Lord strides out of the throne room. 70  EXT FOREST CLEARING - LEIA'S CRASH SITE                        70 Han, Luke, Chewie, and the two droids are spread out as they move through the heavy foliage near the clearing where we last saw Leia. Luke finds Leia's helmet, picks it up with an expression of     concern. HAN (OS) Luke! Luke! Luke runs with the helmet to where Han has found the charred wreckage of a speeder bike in the grass. THREEPIO Oh, Master Luke. LUKE There's two more wrecked speeders back there. And I found this. He tosses the helmet to Han. THREEPIO I'm afraid that Artoo's sensors can find no               trace of Princess Leia. HAN (gravely) I hope she's alright. Chewbacca growls, sniffing the air, then, with a bark, pushes off through the foliage. HAN What, Chewie? What? Chewie! The others rush to keep up with the giant Wookiee. As he scoots along, Artoo whistles nervously. 71  EXT FOREST - DENSE FOLIAGE                                     71 The group has reached a break in the undergrowth. Chewie walks up     to a tall stake planted in the ground. There is a dead animal hanging from it. HAN Hey, I don't get it. The rest of the group joins the Wookiee around the stake. HAN (cont) Nah, it's just a dead animal, Chewie. Chewie can't resist. He reaches toward the meat. LUKE Chewie, wa-wait! Don't!     Too late. The Wookiee has already pulled the animal from the stake. SPROOING! The group finds itself hanging upside down in an     Ewok net, suspended high above the clearing. Artoo lets out a     wild series of beeps and whistles, and Chewie howls his regret. Their bodies are a jumble in the net. Han removes a Wookiee paw from his mouth. HAN Nice work. Great, Chewie! Great! Always thinking with your stomach. LUKE Will you take it easy? Let's just figure out a way to get out of this thing. (trying to               free an arm) Han, can you reach my                lightsaber? HAN Yeah, sure. Artoo is at the bottommost point in the net. He extends his cutting appendage and begins slicing at the net. Han is trying to     squeeze an arm past Threepio to get at Luke's lightsaber. The net continues to spin. THREEPIO Artoo, I'm not sure that's such a good idea. It's a very long dro-o-op!! Artoo has cut through and the entire group tumbles out of the net, crashing to the ground. As they regain their senses and sit up, they realize they are surrounded by dozens of Ewoks, each brandishing a long spear. HAN Wha--? Hey! Point that thing someplace else. Han pushes the spear wielded by TEEBO out of his face and a     second Ewok warrior comes up to argue with Teebo. The spear returns to Han's face. He grabs it angrily and starts to go for his laser pistol. HAN Hey! LUKE Han, don't. It'll be all right. The Ewoks swarm through them and confiscate their weapons. Luke lets them take his lightsaber. Chewie growls at the furry critters. LUKE Chewie, give 'em your crossbow. Artoo and Threepio are just untangling themselves. Threepio gets free of the net and sits up, rattled. THREEPIO Oh, my head. Oh, my goodness! When the Ewoks see Threepio, they let out a gasp and chatter among themselves. Threepio speaks to them in their native tongue. The Ewok nearest him drops his spear and prostrates himself before the droid. In a moment, all the Ewoks have followed suit. Chewie lets out a puzzled bark. Han and Luke regard the bowed creatures in wonder. The Ewoks begin to chant at Threepio. LUKE Do you understand anything they're saying? THREEPIO Oh, yes, Master Luke! Remember that I am               fluent in over six million forms of                communication. HAN What are you telling them? THREEPIO Hello, I think... I could be mistaken. They're using a very primitive dialect. But I do believe they think I am some sort of god. Chewbacca and Artoo think that's very funny. Han and Luke exchange "what next?" looks. HAN Well, why don't you use your divine influence and get us out of this? THREEPIO I beg your pardon, General Solo, but that just wouldn't be proper. HAN Proper?! THREEPIO It's against my programming to impersonate a               deity. Han moves toward Threepio threateningly. HAN Why, you-- Several Ewoks' spears are thrust in Han's face at the affront to     their god. The Ewoks move in to protect their god and Han is     surrounded by a menacing circle of spears, all aimed at him. He     holds up his hands placatingly. HAN My mistake. He's an old friend of mine. 72  EXT FOREST - SERIES OF SHOTS                                   72 A procession of Ewoks winds through the ever-darkening forest. Their prisoners - Han, Luke, Chewie, and Artoo - are tied to long poles and wrapped in vines, cocoonlike. Each pole is carried on the shoulders of several Ewoks. Behind the captives, Threepio is carried on a litter, like a king, by     the remaining creatures. 73  EXT FOREST WALKWAY - MOON FOREST                               73 The procession moves along a shaky, narrow, wooden walkway, high in the giant trees. It stops at the end of the walkway, which drops off into nothingness. On the other side of the abyss is a     village of mud huts and rickety walkways, attached to the giant trees. The lead Ewok takes hold of a long vine and swings across to the village square; the other Ewoks follow suit. 74  EXT EWOK VILLAGE SQUARE                                        74 The procession winds its way into the village square. Mother Ewoks gather their babies up and scurry into their huts at the sight of the newcomers. The group stops before the largest hut. Han, Luke, Chewie, and Artoo are still bound to their poles. Han is placed on a spit above what looks like a barbecue pit and the others are leaned against a tree nearby. Threepio's litter/throne is gently placed near the pit. He watches with rapt fascination. Han, Luke, and Chewie are less than fascinated. HAN I have a really bad feeling about this. Chewie growls his concern. Suddenly all activity stops as LOGRAY, the tribal Medicine Man, comes out of the big hut. He examines the captives carefully, goes to join Threepio, whose throne has been placed on an     elevated platform. A larger, gray-haired Ewok, CHIEF CHIRPA, is     examining Luke's lightsaber with great curiosity. Logray speaks to Threepio and the assemblage of fuzzy Ewoks, pointing to the prisoners tied to the stakes. The Ewoks begin filling the pit under Han with firewood. HAN What did he say? THREEPIO I'm rather embarrassed, General Solo, but it               appears you are to be the main course at a                banquet in my honor. The drums start beating, and all the furry heads turn to the large hut. Leia emerges, wearing an animal-skin dress. She sees what's happening at the same moment the prisoners see her. HAN and LUKE Leia! As she moves toward them, the Ewoks block her way with raised spears. LEIA Oh! THREEPIO Your Royal Highness. Artoo and Chewie chime in with their welcome. Leia looks at the assembled Ewoks and sighs. LEIA But these are my friends. Threepio, tell them they must be set free. Threepio talks to Chirpa and Logray, who listen and shake their heads negatively. The Medicine Man gestures toward the prisoners and barks some orders. Several Ewoks jump up and pile more wood on the barbecue with vigor. Leia trades frantic looks with Luke and Han. HAN Somehow, I got the feeling that didn't help us very much. LUKE Threepio, tell them if they don't do as you wish, you'll become angry and use your magic. THREEPIO But Master Luke, what magic? couldn't               possibly -- LUKE Just tell them. Threepio speaks to the Ewoks. The Ewoks are disturbed. Logray steps forward and challenges Threepio. Luke closes his eyes and begins to concentrate. THREEPIO You see, Master Luke; they didn't believe me. Just... Now the litter/throne, with Threepio sitting upon it, rises from the ground. At first Threepio doesn't notice and keeps talking. THREEPIO ... as I said they wouldn't. Wha-wha-what's               happening! Oh! Oh, dear! Oh! The Ewoks fall back in terror from the floating throne. Now Threepio begins to spin as though he were on a revolving stool, with Threepio calling out in total panic at his situation. THREEPIO Put me down! He-e-elp! Master Luke! Artoo! Somebody, somebody, help! Master Luke, Artoo! Artoo, quickly! Do something, somebody! Oh! Ohhh! Chief Chirpa yells orders to the cowering Ewoks. They rush up and release the bound prisoners. Luke and Han enfold Leia in a group embrace. Luke notices the spinning Threepio, with Artoo beeping up at him, and slowly lowers the golden droid and the throne to     the ground. Logray orders the little droid cut down. Artoo crashes to the ground. When the Ewoks set him upright, the little droid is fighting mad. Artoo beeps a blue streak at the nearest Ewok, and begins pursuing him, finally getting close enough to     zap him with an electric charge. The Ewok jumps two feet in the air and runs away, screaming. A small group of Ewoks surround the giant Wookiee, scratching their heads and marveling at his height. THREEPIO Oh, oh, oh, oh! Thank goodness. LUKE Thanks, Threepio. THREEPIO (still shaken) I...I never knew I had it in me. 75  INT CHIEF'S HUT - COUNCIL OF ELDERS                            75 A glowing fire dances in the center of the spartan, low-ceilinged room, creating a kaleidoscope of shadows on the walls. Along one side, a group of ten Ewok elders flank Chief Chirpa, who sits on     his throne. The Rebels sit along the walls of the hut, with Threepio between the two groups and Wicket and Teebo off to one side. Threepio is in the midst of a long, animated speech in the Ewok's     squeaky native tongue. The Ewoks listen carefully and occasionally murmur comments to each other. Threepio points several times at the Rebel group and pantomimes a short history of the Galactic Civil War, mimicking the explosion and rocket sounds, imitating Imperial walkers. Throughout the long account, certain familiar names are distinguishable in English: Princess Leia, Artoo, Darth Vader, Death Star, Jedi, Obi-Wan Kenobi. Artoo begins beeping excitedly at Threepio. THREEPIO Yes, Artoo. I was just coming to that. Threepio continues with: Millennium Falcon, Cloud City, Vader, Han Solo, carbonite, Sarlacc, bringing the history up to the present time. At the end of it, the Chief, Logray, and the elders confer, then nod in agreement. The Chief stands and makes a pronouncement. The drums begin to sound, and all the Ewoks stand with a great cheer and screeches. HAN What's going on? LEIA I don't know. Luke has been sharing the joy with smiling visage, but now something passes like a dark cloud through his consciousness. The others do not notice. THREEPIO Wonderful! We are now a part of the tribe. Several of the little teddy bears run up and hug the Rebels. HAN Just what I always wanted. Chewbacca is being enthusiastically embraced by an Ewok, while Wicket clings to Han's leg. HAN (chuckles) Well, short help is better than no help at               all, Chewie. (to Wicket) Thank you. Okay. THREEPIO He says the scouts are going to show us the quickest way to the shield generator. Chewie barks. Luke has drifted to the back of the hut. Now he     wanders outside into the moonlight. Leia notices and follows. HAN Good. How far is it? Ask him. We need some fresh supplies, too. And try and get our weapons back. Han pulls Threepio back as he keeps trying to translate. HAN (cont) And hurry up, will ya? I haven't got all day. 76  EXT EWOK VILLAGE - NIGHT                                       76 The walkway is deserted now. The windows of the little huts glow and flicker from the fires inside. The sounds of the forest fill the soft night air. Luke has wandered away from the Chief's hut and stands staring up at the Death Star. Leia finds him like that. LUKE Luke, what's wrong? Luke turns and looks at her a long moment. LUKE Leia... do you remember your mother? Your real mother? LEIA Just a little bit. She died when I was very young. LUKE What do you remember? LEIA Just...images, really. Feelings. LUKE Tell me. LEIA (a little surprised at his insistence) She was very beautiful. Kind, but...sad. (looks up) Why are you asking me all this? He looks away. LUKE I have no memory of my mother. I never knew her. LEIA Luke, tell me. What's troubling you? LUKE Vader is here...now, on this moon. LEIA (alarmed) How do you know? LUKE I felt his presence. He's come for me. He can feel when I'm near. That's why I have to go. (facing her) As long as I stay, I'm               endangering the group and our mission here. (beat) I have to face him. Leia is distraught, confused. LEIA Why? Luke moves close and his manner is gentle. And very calm. LUKE He's my father. LEIA Your father? LUKE There's more. It won't be easy for you to               hear it, but you must. If I don't make it               back, you're the only hope for the Alliance. Leia is very disturbed by this. She moves away, as if to deny it. LEIA Luke, don't talk that way. You have a power I--I don't understand and could never have. LUKE You're wrong, Leia. You have that power too. In time you'll learn to use it as I have. The Force is strong in my family. My father has it...I have it...and...my sister has it. Leia stares into his eyes. What she sees there frightens her. But she doesn't draw away. She begins to understand. LUKE Yes. It's you Leia. LEIA I know. Somehow...I've always known. LUKE Then you know why I have to face him. LEIA No! Luke, run away, far away. If he can feel your presence, then leave this place. I wish I could go with you. LUKE No, you don't. You've always been strong. LEIA But, why must you confront him? LUKE Because...there is good in him. I've felt it. He won't turn me over to the Emperor. I               can save him. I can turn him back to the good side. I have to try. They hold each other close and look at each other, brother and sister. Leia holds back her tears as Luke slowly lets her go and moves away. He disappears onto the walkway that leads out of the village. Leia, bathed in moonlight, watches him go as Han comes out of the Chief's hut and comes over to her. Leia is crying, her body trembling. He realizes only now that she is crying. HAN Hey, what's goin' on? Leia attempts to stifle her sobs and wipes her eyes. LEIA Nothing. I - just want to be alone for a               little while. HAN (angry) Nothing? Come on, tell me. What's goin' on? She looks up at him, struggling to control herself. LEIA I...I can't tell you. HAN (loses his temper) Did you tell Luke? Is that who you could tell? LEIA I... HAN Ahhh... He starts to walk away, exasperated, then stops and walks back to     her. HAN I'm sorry. LEIA Hold me. Han gathers her tightly in his protective embrace. 77  EXT FOREST - IMPERIAL LANDING PLATFORM                         77 An Imperial shuttle floats down from the Death Star and lands gracefully on the huge platform. Now, an Imperial walker approaches the platform from the darkness of the forest. The whole outpost - platform, walkers, military - looks particularly offensive in the midst of this verdant beauty. 78  EXT IMPERIAL LANDING PLATFORM - LOWER DECK                     78 Darth Vader walks down the ramp of the shuttle onto the platform, into an elevator, and appears on a ramp on a lower level. He     walks toward another ramp exit and is met by two troopers and a      commander with Luke, in binders, at their center. The young Jedi gazes at Vader with complete calm. COMMANDER This is a Rebel that surrendered to us. Although he denies it, I believe there may be               more of them, and I request permission to                conduct a further search of the area. The commander extends his hand, revealing Luke's lightsaber. COMMANDER He was armed only with this. Vader looks at Luke, turns away and faces the commander, taking the lightsaber from the commander's hand. VADER Good work, Commander. Leave us. Conduct your search and bring his companions to me. COMMANDER Yes, my Lord. The officer and troops withdraw. Vader and Luke are left standing alone in the oddly tranquil beauty of the place. The sounds of     the forest filter in upon them. VADER The Emperor has been expecting you. LUKE I know, father. VADER So, you have accepted the truth. LURE I've accepted the truth that you were once Anakin Skywalker, my father. VADER (turning to face him) That name no longer has any meaning for me. LUKE It is the name of your true self. You've only forgotten. I know there is good in you. The Emperor hasn't driven it from you fully. That is why you couldn't destroy me. That's why you won't bring me to your Emperor now. Vader looks down from Luke to the lightsaber in his own black- gloved hand. He seems to ponder Luke's words. VADER (indicating lightsaber) I see you have constructed a new lightsaber. Vader ignites the lightsaber and holds it to examine its humming, brilliant blade. VADER Your skills are complete. Indeed, you are powerful, as the Emperor has foreseen. They stand for a moment, the Vader extinguishes the lightsaber. LUKE Come with me. VADER Obi-Wan once thought as you do. Luke steps close to Vader, then stops. Vader is still. VADER You don't know the power of the dark side. I               must obey my master. LUKE I will not turn...and you'll be forced to               kill me. VADER If that is your destiny. LUKE Search your feelings, father. You can't do               this. I feel the conflict within you. Let go               of your hate. VADER It is too late for me, son. The Emperor will show you the true nature of the Force. He is               your master now. Vader signals to some distant stormtroopers. He and Luke stand staring at one another for a long moment. LUKE Then my father is truly dead. 79  EXT ENDOR - RIDGE OVERLOOKING SHIELD GENERATOR                 79 Han, Leia, Chewbacca, the droids, Wicket, and another Ewok scout, PAPLOO, hide on a ridge overlooking the massive Imperial shield generator. At the base of the generator is an Imperial landing platform. Leia studies the installation. LEIA The main entrance to the control bunker's on               the far side of that landing platform. This isn't gonna be easy. HAN Hey, don't worry. Chewie and me got into a               lot of places more heavily guarded than this. Wicket and Paploo are chattering away in Ewok language. They speak to Threepio. LEIA What's he saying? THREEPIO He says there's a secret entrance on the other side of the ridge. 80  EXT SPACE - REBEL FLEET                                        80 The vast fleet hangs in space near a blue planet. A giant Rebel Star Cruiser is up at the front, but now the Millennium Flacon roars up to a spot ahead of it, tiny in comparison. 81  INT MILLENNIUM FALCON - COCKPIT                                81 Lando is in the pilot seat. His alien copilot, NIEN NUNB, takes some getting used to in the familiar environs of the Falcon's     cockpit. Lando speaks into his comlink. LANDO Admiral, we're in position. All fighters accounted for. ACKBAR (VO) Proceed with the countdown. All groups assume attack coordinates. Lando turns to his weird copilot. LANDO Don't worry, my friends are down there. They'll have that shield down on time...(to               himself) or this'll be the shortest offensive of all time. The copilot flips some switches and grunts an alien comment. ACKBAR (VO) All craft, prepare to jump to hyperspace on               my mark. LANDO All right. Stand by. He pulls a lever, and the stars outside begin to streak. 82  EXT SPACE - REBEL FLEET                                        82 We are treated to an awesome sight: first the Millennium Falcon, then Ackbar's Star Cruiser, then, in large segments, the huge fleet ROARS INTO HYPERSPACE. And disappears. 83  EXT ENDOR - RIDGE OVERLOOKING CONTROL BUNKER                   83 Han, Leia, Chewie, the droids, and their two Ewok guides, Wicket and Paploo, have reunited with the Rebel strike squad. The entire group is spread through the thick undergrowth. Below them is the BUNKER that leads into the generator. Four Imperial scouts, their speeder bikes parked nearby, keep watch over the bunker entrance. Chewie growls an observation, and Paploo chatters away to Han in     Ewok language. HAN Back door, huh? Good idea. Wicket and Paploo continue their Ewok conversation. HAN (cont) It's only a few guards. This shouldn't be too much trouble. LEIA Well, it only takes one to sound the alarm. HAN (with self-confident grin) Then we'll do it real quiet-like. Threepio explains what is going on to Wicket and Paploo. The Ewoks chatter a moment between themselves. Then Paploo jumps up     and scampers into the underbrush. Threepio asks Wicket where Paploo went and is given a short reply. THREEPIO Oh! Oh, my. Uh, Princess Leia! LEIA Quiet. THREEPIO I'm afraid our furry companion has gone and done something rather rash. LEIA Oh, no. 84  EXT BUNKER - ENTRANCE                                          84 Paploo has slipped out of the undergrowth near where the Imperial scouts are lounging. He silently swings his furry ball of a body onto one of the scout's speeder bikes and begins flipping switches at random. Suddenly, the bike's engine fires up with a     tremendous ROAR. Paploo grins and continues flipping switches. The scouts leap up in surprise. 85  EXT RIDGE                                                      85 Han, Leia and company watch in distress. Chewie barks. HAN (sighs) There goes our surprise attack. 86  EXT BUNKER                                                     86 The Imperial scouts race toward Paploo just as his speeder zooms into motion. Paploo hangs on by his paws and shoots away into the forest. SCOUT Look! Over there! Stop him! Three of the Imperial scouts jump on their rocket bikes and speed away in pursuit. The fourth watches them go from his post at the door. 87  EXT RIDGE                                                      87 Han, Leia, and Chewie exchange delighted looks. HAN Not bad for a little furball. There's only one left. You stay here. We'll take care of               this. Han and the Wookiee nod at each other and slip down toward the bunker. Threepio moves to stand next to Wicket and Artoo. THREEPIO I have decided that we shall stay here. 88  EXT FOREST                                                     88 Paploo sails through the trees, more lucky than in control. It's     scary, but he loves it. When the Imperial scouts pull within sight behind him and begin firing laser bolts, he decides he's     had enough. As he rounds a tree, out of their sight, Paploo grabs a vine and swings up into the trees. A moment later, the scouts tear under him in pursuit of the still-flying, unoccupied bike. 89  EXT BUNKER                                                     89 Han sneaks up behind the remaining Imperial scout, taps him on     the shoulder and lets the scout chase him behind the bunker into the arms of the waiting Rebel strike team. Han returns to the front, and taps out a pattern on the bunker door's control panel. Everyone stands out of sight, police-style, as the door opens. Han and Leia peek inside. No sign of life. The group enters the bunker silently, leaving one lookout behind. 90  INT DEATH STAR - EMPEROR'S THRONE ROOM                         90 The elevator opens. Vader and Luke enter the room alone. They walk across the dark space to stand before the throne, father and son side by side beneath the gaze of the Emperor. Vader bows to     his Master. EMPEROR Welcome, young Skywalker. I have been expecting you. Luke peers at the hooded figure defiantly. The Emperor then looks down at Luke's binders. EMPEROR You no longer need those. The Emperor motions ever so slightly with his finger and Luke's     binders fall away, clattering to the floor. Luke looks down at     his own hands, free now to reach out and grab the Emperor's neck. He does nothing. EMPEROR Guards, leave us. The red-cloaked guards turn and disappear behind the elevator. EMPEROR (to Luke) I'm looking forward to completing your training. In time you will call me Master. LUKE You're gravely mistaken. You won't convert me               as you did my father. The Emperor gets down from his throne and walks up very close to     Luke. The Emperor looks into his eyes and, for the first time, Luke can perceive the evil visage within the hood. EMPEROR Oh, no, my young Jedi. You will find that it               is you who are mistaken...about a great many things. VADER His lightsaber. Vader extends a gloved hand toward the Emperor, revealing Luke's     lightsaber. The Emperor takes it. EMPEROR Ah, yes, a Jedi's weapon. Much like your father's. By now you must know your father can never be turned from the dark side. So               will it be with you. LUKE You're wrong. Soon I'll be dead...and you with me. The Emperor laughs. EMPEROR Perhaps you refer to the imminent attack of               your Rebel fleet. Luke looks up sharply. EMPEROR Yes...I assure you we are quite safe from your friends here. Vader looks at Luke. LUKE Your overconfidence is your weakness. EMPEROR Your faith in your friends is yours. VADER It is pointless to resist, my son. The Emperor turns to face Luke. EMPEROR (angry) Everything that has transpired has done so               according to my design. (indicates Endor) Your friends up there on the Sanctuary Moon...     Luke reacts. The Emperor notes it. EMPEROR (cont) ...are walking into a trap. As is your Rebel fleet! It was I who allowed the Alliance to               know the location of the shield generator. It               is quite safe from your pitiful little band. An entire legion of my best troops awaits them. Luke's look darts from the Emperor to Vader and, finally, to the sword in the Emperor's hand. EMPEROR Oh...I'm afraid the deflector shield will be               quite operational when your friends arrive. 91  INT BUNKER - MAIN CONTROL ROOM                                 91 Han, Leia, Chewie, and the Rebel strike team storm through a door and enter the main control room, taking all of the personnel prisoner. HAN All right! Up! Move! Come on! Quickly! Quickly, Chewie. The Rebel troops herd the generator controllers away from their panels. Leia glances at one of the screens on the control panel. LEIA Han! Hurry! The fleet will be here any moment. HAN Charges! Come on, come on! Outside, Threepio watches nervously in the bushes as several more controllers and stormtroopers run into the bunker, leaving guards at the door. THREEPIO (to Wicket) Oh, my! They'll be captured! Wicket chatters in Ewok language, and then takes off full steam into the forest. THREEPIO Wa-wait! Wait, come back! Artoo, stay with me. Inside the bunker, Han looks up from setting charges as an     Imperial commander enters. COMMANDER Freeze! You Rebel scum. Han and Leia spin, to find dozens of Imperial weapons trained on     them and their cohorts. A poised force of Imperial troops surround them. Even more pour into the room, roughly disarming the Rebel contingent. Han, Leia, and Chewie exchange looks. They're helpless. 92  EXT SPACE - ENDOR, DEATH STAR, REBEL FLEET                     92 The Death Star and its Sanctuary Moon hang distant in space as     the Rebel fleet comes out of hyperspace with an awesome roar. The Millennium Falcon and several Rebel fighters are at the front as     the space armada bears down on its target. 93  INT MILLENNIUM FALCON - COCKPIT                                93 Lando flips switches, checks his screen, and speaks into the radio. LANDO All wings report in. WEDGE Red Leader standing by. GRAY LEADER Gray Leader standing by. GREEN LEADER Green Leader standing by. WEDGE Lock S-foils in attack positions. 94  INT REBEL STAR CRUISER - BRIDGE                                94 From the bridge of the Rebel Headquarters Frigate, Admiral Ackbar watches the fighters massing outside his viewscreen. ACKBAR May the Force be with us. 95  INT MILLENNIUM FALCON - COCKPIT                                95 Lando looks worriedly at his alien copilot, Nien Nunb, who points to the control panel and talks to Lando. LANDO We've got to be able to get some kind of a               reading on that shield, up or down. Well, how could they be jamming us if they don't know if we're coming. Lando shoots a concerned look out at the approaching Death Star as the implications of what he's just said sink in. He hits a     switch on his comlink. LANDO Break off the attack! The shield is still up. RED LEADER (VO) I get no reading. Are you sure? LANDO Pull up! All craft pull up! The Falcon turns hard to the left. Out the window the stars and the Death Star move off right. 96  EXT SPACE - DEATH STAR SHIELD                                  96 The Falcon and the fighters of Red Squad veer off desperately to     avoid the unseen wall. 97  INT REBEL STAR CRUISER - BRIDGE                                97 Alarms are screaming and lights flashing as the huge ship changes course abruptly. Other ships in the fleet shoot by outside as the armada tries to halt its forward momentum. ACKBAR Take evasive action! Green Group, stick close to holding sector MV-7. A Mon Calamari controller turns away from his screen and calls out to Ackbar, quite excited. The Admiral rushes over to the controller. CONTROLLER Admiral, we have enemy ships in sector 47. On the screen can be seen the moon, Death Star, and the massive Imperial fleet. Ackbar moves to the comlink. ACKBAR It's a trap! LANDO (over comlink) Fighters coming in. There is much excitement on the bridge as the attack begins. The Millennium Falcon and several squads of Rebel fighters head into an armada of TIE fighters. The sky explodes as a fierce dogfight ensues in and around the giant Rebel cruisers. REBEL PILOT There's too many of them! LANDO Accelerate to attack speed! Draw their fire away from the cruisers. WEDGE Copy, Gold Leader. The battle continues around the giant cruisers. 98  INT DEATH STAR - EMPEROR'S THRONE ROOM                         98 Through the round window behind the Emperor's throne can be seen the distant flashes of the space battle in progress. EMPEROR Come, boy. See for yourself. The Emperor is sitting in his throne, with Vader standing at his side. Luke moves to look through a small section of the window. EMPEROR From here you will witness the final destruction of the Alliance, and the end of               your insignificant Rebellion. Luke is in torment. He glances at his lightsaber sitting on the armrest of the throne. The Emperor watches him and smiles, touches the lightsaber. EMPEROR You want this, don't you? The hate is               swelling in you now. Take your Jedi weapon. Use it. I am unarmed. Strike me down with it. Give in to your anger. With each passing moment, you make yourself more my servant. Vader watches Luke in his agony. LUKE No!                              EMPEROR It is unavoidable. It is your destiny. You, like your father, are now mine! 99  EXT FOREST - GENERATOR BUNKER                                  99 Han, Leia, Chewie, and the rest of the strike team are led out of     the bunker by their captors. The surrounding area, deserted before, is now crowded with two-legged Imperial walkers and hundreds of Imperial troops. The situation looks hopeless. STORMTROOPER All right, move it! I said move it! Go on! From the undergrowth beyond the clearing comes a wild series of     beeps and whistles. And -- THREEPIO Hello! I say, over there! Were you looking for me? BUNKER COMMANDER Bring those two down here! STORMTROOPER Let's go! Artoo and Threepio are standing near one of the big trees. As six Imperial stormtroopers rush over to take them captive, the two droids duck out of sight behind the tree. THREEPIO Well, they're on their way. Artoo, are you sure this was a good idea? STORMTROOPER Freeze! Don't move! THREEPIO We surrender. The stormtroopers come around the tree and find the two droids waiting quietly to be taken. As the Imperial troops move to do     that, however, a band of Ewoks drops down from above and overpowers them. THREEPIO Ohhh! Stand back, Artoo. In a nearby tree, an Ewok raises a horn to his lips and sounds the EWOK ATTACK CALL. All hell breaks loose as hundreds of Ewoks throw their fuzzy bodies into the fray against the assembled stormtroopers and their awesome two-legged walkers. Biker scouts dart about blasting Ewoks, only to be crushed by a     volley of rocks tossed by Ewoks from the trees above. In the confusion of the battle, Han and Leia break away and dive for the cover of the bunker door as explosions erupt around them. Han goes to the bunker door control panel. LEIA The code's changed. We need Artoo! HAN Here's the terminal. LEIA (into comlink) Artoo, where are you? We need you at the bunker right away. Artoo and Threepio are hiding behind a log as the battle rages around them. Suddenly the stubby little astrodroid lets out a     series of whistles and shoots off across the battlefield. Threepio, panicked, runs after him. THREEPIO Going? What do you mean, you're going. But-- but going where, Artoo? No, what! Artoo! Oh, this is no time for heroics. Come back! Biker scouts race around and over the two droids, blasting away at the little Ewoks as the furries scurry for cover. A group of Ewoks have moved a primitive catapult into position. They fire off a large boulder that hits one of the walkers. The walker turns and heads for the catapult, blasting away with both guns. The Ewoks abandon their weapons and flee in all directions. Just as the walker moves in to stomp the catapult, Ewoks drop vines restraining two huge logs that swing down and smash the walker's head flat. A line of Ewoks hang desperately to a vine that is hooked to a     walker's foot. As the walker moves along, the fuzzy creatures are dragged behind. Two speeder bikes chase Ewoks through the underbrush. As the scouts round a tree, they are knocked off their bikes by a vine tied between two trees. 100 EXT SPACE                                                     100 The Falcon and other Rebel fighters are engaged in a ferocious combat with Imperial TIE fighters, the battle raging around the cruisers of the Rebel armada. 101 INT MILLENNIUM FALCON - COCKPIT                               101 Lando is in radio communication with the pilots of the other Rebel squads. LANDO Watch yourself, Wedge! Three from above! WEDGE Red Three, Red Two, pull in! RED TWO Got it! RED THREE Three of them coming in, twenty degrees! WEDGE Cut to the left! I'll take the leader! They're heading for the medical frigate. Lando steers the Falcon through a complete flip, as his crew fires at the TIEs from the belly guns. NAVIGATOR Pressure's steady. The copilot Nien Nunb chatters an observation. LANDO Only the fighters are attacking. I wonder what those Star Destroyers are waiting for. 102 EXT SPACE - IMPERIAL FLEET                                    102 The giant Imperial Star Destroyer waits silently some distance from the battle. The Emperor's huge Super Star Destroyer rests in     the middle of the fleet. 103 INT SUPER STAR DESTROYER - BRIDGE                             103 Admiral Piett and two fleet commanders watch the battle at the huge window of the Super Star Destroyer bridge. COMMANDER We're in attack position now, sir.                              PIETT Hold here. COMMANDER We're not going to attack? PIETT I have my orders from the Emperor himself. He               has something special planned for them. We               only need to keep them from escaping. 104 INT EMPEROR'S TOWER - THRONE ROOM                             104 The Emperor, Vader, and a horrified Luke watch the aerial battle fireworks out the window and on the viewscreens. Another Rebel ship explodes against the protective shield. EMPEROR As you can see, my young apprentice, your friends have failed. Now witness the firepower of this fully armed and operational battle station. (into comlink) Fire at will, Commander. Luke, in shock, looks out across the surface of the Death Star to     the Rebel fleet beyond. 105 INT DEATH STAR - CONTROL ROOM                                 105 Controllers pull back on several switches. Commander Jerjerrod stands over them. JERJERROD Fire! 106 INT DEATH STAR - BLAST CHAMBER                                106 A button is pressed, which switches on a panel of lights. A hooded Imperial soldier reaches overhead and pulls a lever. A     huge beam of light emanates from a long shaft. Two stormtroopers stand to one side at a control panel. 107 EXT DEATH STAR                                                107 The giant laser dish on the completed half of the Death Star begins to glow; Then a powerful beams shoots out toward the aerial battle. 108 EXT SPACE - AIR BATTLE                                        108 The air is thick with giant ships. In among them, Rebel X-wings dogfight with Imperial TIE fighters. Now an enormous Rebel cruiser is hit by the Death Star beam and is blown to dust. The Millennium Falcon roars over CAMERA, followed closely by     several TIE fighters. 109 INT MILLENNIUM FALCON - COCKPIT                               109 The ship is buffeted by the tremendous explosion of the Rebel cruiser. Lando and his copilot are stunned by the sight of the Death Star firepower. LANDO That blast came from the Death Star! That thing's operational! (into comlink) Home One, this is Gold Leader. 110 INT REBEL STAR CRUISER - BRIDGE                               110 Ackbar stands amid the confusion on the wide bridge and speaks into the comlink. ACKBAR We saw it. All craft prepare to retreat. LANDO You won't get another chance at this, Admiral. ACKBAR We have no choice, General Calrissian. Our cruisers can't repel firepower of that magnitude. LANDO Han will have that shield down. We've got to               give him more time. 111 EXT FOREST - GENERATOR BUNKER                                 111 Artoo and Threepio make it to the door, as Han and Leia provide cover fire. THREEPIO We're coming! HAN Come on! Come on! THREEPIO Oh, Artoo, hurry! The little droid moves to the terminal and plugs in his computer arm. A large explosion hits near Artoo, knocking him head over heels, finally landing on his feet. The stubby astrodroid's     head is spinning and smoldering. Suddenly there is a loud SPROOING and Han and Leia turn around to see Artoo with all his compartment doors open, and all of his appendages sticking out; water and smoke spurt out of the nozzles in his body. Han rushes to the terminal, as Threepio rushes to his wounded companion. THREEPIO My goodness! Artoo, why did you have to be so               brave? HAN Well, I suppose I could hotwire this thing. LEIA I'll cover you. Ewoks in handmade, primitive hanggliders drop rocks onto the stormtroopers, dive-bombing their deadly adversaries. One is hit in the wing with laser fire and crashes. A walker lumbers forward, shooting laser blasts at frantic Ewoks running in all directions. Two Ewoks are struck down by laser blasts. One tries to awaken his friend, then realizes that he is dead. 112 EXT SPACE - DEATH STAR                                        112 The Rebel fleet continues to be picked off, from one side by the Death Star's deadly beam, from the other by the rampaging Imperial Star Destroyers. 113 INT MILLENNIUM FALCON - COCKPIT                               113 Lando steers the Falcon wildly through an obstacle course of     floating giants. He's been yelling into the comlink. LANDO (desperately) Yes! I said closer! Move as close as you can and engage those Star Destroyers at point- blank range. ACKBAR At that close range, we won't last long against those Star Destroyers. LANDO We'll last longer then we will against that Death Star...and we might just take a few of               them with us. The Rebel cruisers move very close to the Imperial Star Destroyers and begin to blast away at point-blank range. Tiny fighters race across the giant surfaces, against a backdrop of     laser fire. The control tower of a Star Destroyer is under attack. REBEL PILOT She's gonna blow! Y-WING PILOT I'm hit! The damaged Y-wing plummets toward the Star Destroyer, and crashes into the control tower, exploding. 114 INT EMPEROR'S TOWER - THRONE ROOM                             114 Out of the window and on the view screens, the Rebel fleet is     being decimated in blinding explosions of light and debris. But in here there is no sound of battle. The Emperor turns to Luke. EMPEROR Your fleet has lost. And your friends on the Endor moon will not survive. There is no               escape, my young apprentice. The Alliance will die...as will your friends. Luke's eyes are full of rage. Vader watches him. EMPEROR Good. I can feel your anger. I am               defenseless. Take your weapon! Strike me               down with all your hatred, and your journey towards the dark side will be complete. Luke can resist no longer. The lightsaber flies into his hand. He     ignites it in an instant and swings at the Emperor. Vader's     lightsaber flashes into view, blocking Luke's blow before it can reach the Emperor. The two blades spark at contact. Luke turns to     fight his father. 115 EXT FOREST                                                    115 The battle rages on. Stormtroopers fire on Ewoks with sophisticated weapons while their furry little adversaries sneak up behind the Imperial troopers and bash them over the head with large clubs. A walker marches through the undergrowth blasting Ewoks as it     goes. An Ewok warrior gives the signal, and a pile of logs is cut loose. The logs tumble under the walker's feet, causing it to     slip and slide until it finally topples over with a great crash. A scout bike races past and is lassoed with a heavy vine. The other end of the vine is tied to a tree, and the bike swings around in ever-tightening circles until it runs out of rope and crashes into the trees with a huge explosion. Chewie swings on a vine to the roof of one of the walkers. Two Ewoks cling to him. They land with a thud on the top of the lurching machine, then hang on for dear life. One of the Ewoks peeks through the window. WALKER PILOT #1 Look! PILOT #2 Get him off of there! The walker pilot opens the hatch to see what's going on. He is     yanked out and tossed overboard before he can scream. The two Ewoks jump into the cockpit and knock the second pilot unconscious. The Ewoks are thrown violently as the mighty machine careens out of control. Outside, Chewie is almost knocked overboard; he sticks his head into the hatch with a series of     angry barks. The Ewoks are too busy and frightened to listen to     the Wookiee's complaint. Chewie slips inside the walker. Chewbacca's walker moves through the forest, firing laser blasts at unsuspecting stormtroopers, and destroying other Imperial walkers. The Ewoks shout and cheer as the giant machine helps turn the tide of the battle in their favor. 116 EXT FOREST - GENERATOR BUNKER                                 116 Han works furiously at the control panel; wires spark as he     attempts to hotwire the door. He motions to Leia, who is blasting away at some stormtroopers. HAN I think I got it. I got it! The three wires spark as the connection is made. With a LOUD WHOOSH, a second blast door crashes down in front of the first. Han frowns and turns back to the wires again. Leia exchanges shots with stormtroopers in the bushes, then suddenly cries out in pain, her shoulder hit by a laser blast. THREEPIO Oh, Princess Leia, are you all right? HAN Let's see. LEIA It's not bad. STORMTROOPER (OS) Freeze! They freeze. THREEPIO Oh, dear. STORMTROOPER Don't move! Leia holds her laser gun ready, behind Han, out of view of the two stormtroopers moving toward them. Han and Leia's eyes lock; the moment seems suspended in time. HAN I love you. Another shared look between them, as she smiles up at Han. LEIA I know. STORMTROOPER Hands up! Stand up! Han stands up slowly and turns, revealing the gun in Leia's hand. She disposes of the stormtroopers in a flash. As Han turns back toward Leia, he looks up to see a giant walker approach and stand before him, its deadly weapons aimed right at him. HAN (to Leia) Stay back. The hatch on top of the walker opens and Chewie sticks his head out and barks triumphantly. HAN Chewie! Get down here! She's wounded! No, wait.... I got an idea. 117 INT EMPEROR'S TOWER - THRONE ROOM                             117 Luke and Vader are engaged in a man-to-man duel of lightsabers even more vicious then the battle on Bespin. But the young Jedi has grown stronger in the interim, and now the advantage shifts to him. Vader is forced back, losing his balance, and is knocked down the stairs. Luke stands at the top of the stairs, ready to     attack. EMPEROR (laughing) Good. Use your aggressive feelings, boy! Let the hate flow through you. Luke looks momentarily toward the Emperor, then back to Vader, and realizes he is using the dark side. He steps back, turns off his lightsaber, and relaxes, driving the hate from his being. VADER Obi-Wan has taught you well. LUKE I will not fight you, father. Vader walks back up the stairs to Luke. VADER You are unwise to lower your defenses. Vader attacks, forcing Luke on the defensive. The young Jedi leaps in an amazing reverse flip up to the safety of the catwalk overhead. Vader stands below him. LUKE Your thoughts betray you, father. I feel the good in you...the conflict. VADER There is no conflict. LUKE You couldn't bring yourself to kill me               before, and I don't believe you'll destroy me                now. VADER You underestimate the power of the dark side. If you will not fight, then you will meet your destiny. Vader throws the laser sword and it cuts through the supports holding the catwalk, then returns to Vader's hand. Luke tumbles to the ground in a shower of sparks and rolls out of sight under the Emperor's platform. Vader moves to find him. EMPEROR (laughs) Good. Good. 118 EXT SPACE - AIR BATTLE                                        118 The two armadas, like their sea-bound ancestors, blast away at     each other in individual point-blank confrontations. A Star Destroyer explodes. The Rebel victor limps away, its back half alive with a series of minor explosions. The Rebel cruiser manages to move in next to a second Star Destroyer before it     explodes completely, taking the Imperial Star Destroyer with it. The Falcon and several fighters attack one of the larger Imperial ships. LANDO Watch out. Squad at .06. REBEL PILOT I'm on it, Gold Leader. WEDGE Good shot, Red Two. LANDO Now...come on, Han, old buddy. Don't let me               down. 119 INT BUNKER - CONTROL ROOM                                     119 Controllers watch the main viewscreen on which a vague figure of     an Imperial walker pilot can be seen. There is a great deal of     static and interference. HAN/PILOT (VO) It's over, Commander. The Rebels have been routed. They're fleeing into the woods. We               need reinforcements to continue the pursuit. The controllers cheer. CONTROL ROOM COMMANDER Send three squads to help. Open the back door. SECOND COMMANDER Yes, sir. 120 EXT FOREST - GENERATOR BUNKER                                 120 As the door to the bunker opens and the Imperial troops rush out, they're surprised to find themselves surrounded by Rebels, their weapons pointed at them. Ewoks holding bows and arrows appear on     the roof of the bunker. The Imperial troops throw down their guns as Han and Chewie rush inside the bunker with explosive charges. 121 INT BUNKER - CONTROL ROOM                                     121 Han, Chewie, and several troops rush into the control room and plant explosive charges on the control panels and rush out. HAN Throw me another charge. 122 INT EMPEROR'S TOWER - THRONE ROOM                             122 Vader stalks the low-ceilinged area on the level below the throne, searching for Luke in the semi-darkness, his lightsaber held ready. VADER You cannot hide forever, Luke. LUKE I will not fight you. VADER Give yourself to the dark side. It is the only way you can save your friends. Yes, your thoughts betray you. Your feelings for them are strong. Especially for...     Vader stops and senses something. Luke shuts his eyes tightly, in     anguish. VADER Sister! So...you have a twin sister. Your feelings have now betrayed her, too. Obi-Wan was wise to hide her from me. Now his failure is complete. If you will not turn to the dark side, then perhaps she will. LUKE Never-r-r! Luke ignites his lightsaber and screams in anger, rushing at his father with a frenzy we have not seen before. Sparks fly as Luke and Vader fight in the cramped area. Luke's hatred forces Vader to retreat out of the low area and across a bridge overlooking a     vast elevator shaft. Each stroke of Luke's sword drives his father further toward defeat. The Dark Lord is knocked to his knees, and as he raises his sword to block another onslaught, Luke slashes Vader's right hand off at the wrist, causing metal and electronic parts to fly from the mechanical stump. Vader's sword clatters uselessly away, over the edge of the platform and into the bottomless shaft below. Luke moves over Vader and holds the blade of his sword to the Dark Lord's throat. The Emperor watches with uncontrollable, pleased agitation. EMPEROR Good! Your hate has made you powerful. Now, fulfill your destiny and take your father's               place at my side! Luke looks at his father's mechanical hand, then to his own mechanical, black-gloved hand, and realizes how much he is     becoming like his father. He makes the decision for which he     has spent a lifetime in preparation. Luke steps back and hurls his lightsaber away. LUKE Never! I'll never turn to the dark side. You've failed, Your Highness. I am a Jedi, like my father before me. The Emperor's glee turns to rage. EMPEROR So be it...Jedi. 123 EXT FOREST - GENERATOR BUNKER                                 123 Han and several of the fighters run out of the bunker and race across the clearing. HAN Move! Move! A shock wave knocks them flat as the bunker explodes, followed by     a spectacular display as the huge shield-generator radar dish explodes along with the bunker. 124 INT REBEL STAR CRUISER - BRIDGE                               124 Ackbar, sitting in his control chair, speaks into the radio. ACKBAR The shield is down! Commence attack on the Death Star's main reactor. LANDO We're on our way. Red Group, Gold Group, all fighters follow me. (laughs) Told you they'd               do it! The Falcon, followed by several smaller Rebel fighters, heads toward the unfinished superstructure of the Death Star. 125 INT EMPEROR'S TOWER - THRONE ROOM                             125 Luke stands still, as the Emperor reaches the bottom of the stairs. The Emperor's laughter has turned to anger. He raises his arms toward Luke. EMPEROR If you will not be turned, you will be               destroyed. Blinding bolts of energy, evil lightning, shoot from the Emperor's hands at Luke. Even in his surprise, the young Jedi tries to use the Force to deflect them. At first he is half successful, but after a moment the bolts of energy are coming with such speed and power the young Jedi shrinks before them, his knees buckling. The wounded Vader struggles to his feet, and moves to stand at his master's side. EMPEROR Young fool...only now, at the end, do you understand. Luke is almost unconscious beneath the continuing assault of the Emperor's lightning. He clutches a canister to keep from falling into the bottomless shaft as the bolts tear through him. EMPEROR Your feeble skills are no match for the power of the dark side. You have paid the price for your lack of vision. Luke writhes on the floor in unbearable pain, reaching weakly up     toward where Vader stands watching. LUKE (groans) Father, please. Help me. Again Vader stands, watching Luke. He looks at his master, the Emperor, then back to Luke on the floor. EMPEROR Now, young Skywalker...you will die. Although it would not have seemed possible, the outpouring of     bolts from the Emperor's fingers actually increases in intensity, the sound screaming through the room. Luke's body writhes in     pain. Vader grabs the Emperor from behind, fighting for control of the robed figure despite the Dark Lord's weakened body and gravely weakened arm. The Emperor struggles in his embrace, his bolt- shooting hands now lifted high, away from Luke. Now the white lightning arcs back to strike at Vader. He stumbles with his load as the sparks rain off his helmet and flow down over his black cape. He holds his evil master high over his head and walks to     the edge of the abyss at the central core of the throne room. With one final burst of his once awesome strength, Darth Vader hurls the Emperor's body into the bottomless shaft. The Emperor's body spins helplessly into the void, arcing as it     falls into the abyss. Finally, when the body is far down the shaft, it explodes, creating a rush of air through the room. Vader's cape is whipped by the wind and he staggers, and collapses toward the bottomless hole. Luke crawls to his father's     side and pulls him away from the edge of the abyss to safety. Both the young Jedi and the giant warrior are too weak to move. 126 EXT/INT - SPACE BATTLE - FIGHTER AND DEATH STAR               126 Rebel fighters follow the Falcon across the surface of the Death Star to the unfinished portion, where they dive into the super- structure of the giant battle station, followed by many TIE fighters. WEDGE I'm going in. LANDO Here goes nothing. Three X-wings lead the chase through the ever-narrowing shaft, followed by the Falcon and four other fighters, plus TIE fighters who continually fire at the Rebels. Lights reflect off the pilot's faces as they race through the dark shaft. LANDO Now lock onto the strongest power source. It               should be the power generator. WEDGE Form up. And stay alert. We could run out of               space real fast. The fighters and the Falcon race through the tunnel, still pursued by the TIE fighters. One of the X-wings is hit from behind and explodes. LANDO Split up and head back to the surface. See if               you can get a few of those TIE fighters to                follow you. PILOT Copy, Gold Leader. The Rebel ships peel off pursued by three of the TIE's, while Lando and Wedge continue through the main tunnel. It narrows, and the Falcon scrapes the side dangerously. Two other TIE fighters continue to blast away at them. LANDO That was too close. Nien Nunb agrees. The battle between the Rebel and Imperial fleet rages on. Several cruisers fire at the giant Super Star Destroyer. 127 INT REBEL STAR CRUISER - BRIDGE                               127 ACKBAR We've got to give those fighters more time. Concentrate all fire on that Super Star Destroyer. X-wings pilots head across the surface of the huge battleship. 128 INT VADER'S STAR DESTROYER - BRIDGE                           128 Admiral Piett and a commander stand at the window, looking out to     the battle. They look concerned. CONTROLLER Sir, we've lost our bridge deflector shield. PIETT Intensify the forward batteries. I don't want anything to get through. The commander is looking out of the window where a damaged Rebel fighter is out of control and heading directly toward the bridge. PIETT Intensify forward firepower! COMMANDER It's too late! The Rebel pilot screams as his ship hits the Star Destroyer, causing a huge explosion. The giant battle ship loses control, crashes into the Death Star, and explodes. 129 INT REBEL STAR CRUISER - BRIDGE                               129 There is excitement on the bridge as the battle rages on all sides. They cheer as the giant Star Destroyer blows up. 130 INT DEATH STAR - MAIN DOCKING BAY                             130 Chaos. For the first time, the Death Star is rocked by explosions as the Rebel fleet, no longer backed against a wall, zooms over, unloading a heavy barrage. Imperial troops run in all directions, confused and desperate to escape. In the midst of this uproar, Luke is trying to carry the enormous deadweight of his father's weakening body toward an Imperial shuttle. Finally, Luke collapses from the strain. The explosions grow louder as Vader draws him closer. VADER (a whisper) Luke, help me take this mask off. LURE But you'll die. VADER Nothing can stop that now. Just for once...               let me look on you with my own eyes. Slowly, hesitantly, Luke removes the mask from his father's face. There beneath the scars is an elderly man. His eyes do not focus. But the dying man smiles at the sight before him. ANAKIN (very weak) Now...go, my son. Leave me. LUKE No. You're coming with me. I can't leave you here. I've got to save you. ANAKIN You already have, Luke. You were right about me. Tell your sister...you were right. LUKE Father... I won't leave you. Darth Vader, Anakin Skywalker...Luke's father, dies. A huge explosion rocks the docking bay. Slowly, Luke rises and, half carrying, half dragging the body of his father, stumbles toward a shuttle. 131 EXT DEATH STAR                                                131 The Millennium Falcon leads a swerving bomb run through the immense superstructure of the half-built Death Star. The Rebel Star Cruisers outside continually bombard the huge station. And each direct hit is answered by resonating, chain-reaction explosions within the station itself. 132 INT MILLENNIUM FALCON - COCKPIT AND GUN PORTS                 132 Lando's crew fires away at the pursuing TIE fighters as the dashing Baron of Bespin and his alien copilot home in on the main reactor shaft. It is awesome. A lone X-wing is just in front of     the Falcon. WEDGE There it is! LANDO All right, Wedge. Go for the power regulator on the north tower. WEDGE Copy, Gold Leader. I'm already on my way out. The X-wing heads for the top of the huge reactor and fires several proton torpedoes at the power regulator, causing a series of small explosions. The Falcon heads for the main reactor, and when it is dangerously close, Lando fires the missiles, which shoot out of the Falcon with a powerful roar, and hit directly at the center of the main reactor. He maneuvers the Falcon out of the winding superstructure just ahead of the continuing chain of explosions. 133 INT REBEL STAR CRUISER - BRIDGE                               133 Ackbar and other Mon Calamari lean on the railing of the bridge, watching the large screen showing the Death Star in the main briefing room. ACKBAR Move the fleet away from the Death Star. 134 EXT DEATH STAR                                                134 An Imperial shuttle, with Luke alone in the cockpit, rockets out of the main docking bay as that entire section of the Death Star is blown away. But as Luke pilots toward the safety of the Sanctuary moon, his thoughts - enhanced by the Force - turn to     his friends aboard the Millennium Falcon. The Falcon flies at top speed, with a single X-wing as escort, over the endless surface of the Death Star. A series of     explosions within the superstructure follow, then swiftly overtake the small craft as it races for an exit. 135 INT MILLENNIUM FALCON - COCKPIT                               135 Lando turns to Nien Nunb and shakes his head. LANDO (into comlink) Wedge, I don't think we're going to make it. WEDGE (VO) You'll make it. Just follow me Gold Leader. LANDO (to himself) I promised to return his ship without a               scratch...I sure hope that old pirate forgives me. 135A EXT DEATH STAR                                              135A An X-wing, piloted by Wedge Antilles, races out of the exploding superstructure and whizzes toward the Sanctuary Moon. But the Millennium Falcon is not fast enough as it explodes with the Death Star in a supernova of glory. 136 EXT ENDOR FOREST                                              136 Han and Leia, Chewie, the droids, the Rebel troops, and the Ewoks all look to the sky as the Death Star reveals itself in a final flash of self-destruction. All except Han cheer, as the thirty- year-old starship pilot feels a deep personal loss. HAN (whispering to himself) Lando... THREEPIO (misinterpreting Han's reference) They did it! Han looks down from the sky to Leia, a look of sorrow and regret on his face. He knows he will never see the Falcon and Lando again. His thoughts turn to Leia, as she continues to look at the sky, watching for Luke. 137 EXT ENDOR FOREST - NIGHT                                      137 Luke sets a torch to the logs stacked under a funeral pyre where his father's body lies, again dressed in black mask and helmet. He stands, watching sadly, as the flames leap higher to consume Darth Vader -- Anakin Skywalker. In the sky above, fireworks explode and Rebel fighters zoom above the forest. 138 EXT EWOK VILLAGE SQUARE - NIGHT                               138 A huge bonfire is the centerpiece of a wild celebration. Rebels and Ewoks rejoice in the warm glow of firelight, drums beating, singing, dancing, and laughing in the communal language of     victory and liberation. Lando runs in and is enthusiastically hugged by Han and Chewie. Then, finally, Luke arrives and the friends rush to greet and embrace him. They stand close, this hardy group, taking comfort in each other's touch, together to the end. Rebels and Ewoks join together in dancing and celebration. The original group of adventurers watch from the sidelines. Only Luke seems distracted, alone in their midsts, his thoughts elsewhere. He looks off to the side and sees three shimmering, smiling figures at the edge of the shadows: Ben Kenobi, Yoda, and Anakin Skywalker. FADE OUT END CREDITS OVER STAR FIELD THE END --                               CREDITS PRODUCTION STAFF Directed by                           RICHARD MARQUAND Produced by                           HOWARD KAZANJIAN Screenplay by                   LAWRENCE KASDAN and GEORGE LUCAS Story by                             GEORGE LUCAS Executive Producer GEORGE LUCAS Co-Producers ROBERT WATTS, JIM BLOOM Production Designer NORMAN REYNOLDS Director of Photography ALAN HUME, B.S.C                              Edited by               SEAN BARTON, MARCIA LUCAS, DUWAYNE DUNHAM Visual Effects RICHARD EDLUND, A.S.C, DENNIS MUREN, KEN RALSTON Costume Designers AGGIE GUERARD RODGERS, NILO RODIS-JAMERO Mechanical Effects Supervision KIT WEST Make-Up and Creature Design PHIL TIPPETT, STUART FREEBORN Sound Design BEN BURTT Music by                            JOHN WILLIAMS CAST Luke Skywalker                                                     MARK HAMILL Han Solo                                                         HARRISON FORD Princess Leia                                                    CARRIE FISHER Lando Calrissian                                            BILLY DEE WILLIAMS See-Theepio (C-3PO)                                            ANTHONY DANIELS Chewbacca                                                         PETER MAYHEW Anakin Skywalker                                                SEBASTIAN SHAW Emperor                                                          IAN McDIARMID Yoda                                                                  FRANK OZ Darth Vader                                                        DAVID PROWSE Voice of Darth Vader                                          JAMES EARL JONES Ben (Obi-Wan) Kenobi                                             ALEC GUINNESS SUPPORTING CAST Artoo-Detoo (R2-D2)                                                KENNY BAKER Moff Jerjerrod                                              MICHAEL PENNINGTON Admiral Piett                                                   KENNETH COLLEY Bib Fortuna                                                     MICHAEL CARTER Wedge                                                             DENIS LAWSON Admiral Ackbar                                                        TIM ROSE General Madine                                                  DERMOT CROWLEY Mon Mothma                                                  CAROLINE BLAKISTON Wicket                                                           WARWICK DAVIS Paploo                                                             KENNY BAKER Boba Fett                                                       JEREMY BULLOCH Oola                                                               FEMI TAYLOR Sy Snootles                                                     ANNIE ARBOGAST Fat Dancer                                                    CLAIRE DAVENPORT Teebo                                                              JACK PURVIS Logray                                                            MIKE EDMONDS Chief Chirpa                                                        JANE BUSBY Ewok Warrior                                                      MALCOM DIXON Ewok Warrior                                                     MIKE COTTRELL Nicki                                                              NICKI READE Stardestroyer Controller No. 1                                    ADAM BAREHAM Stardestroyer Controller No. 2                                 JONATHAN OLIVER Stardestroyer Captain No. 1                                         PIP MILLER Stardestroyer Captain No. 2                                        TOM MANNION Jabba Puppeteers                                  TOBY PHILPOTT, MIKE EDMONDS, DAVID BARCLAY Puppeteers                                        MICHAEL McCORMICK, DEEP ROY, SIMON WILLIAMSON, HUGH SPIRIT, SWIM LEE, MICHAEL QUINN, RICHARD ROBINSON Set Decorators MICHAEL FORD, HARRY LANGE Conceptual Artist RALPH McQUARRIE Art Directors FRED HOLE, JAMES SCHOPPE Assistant Art Directors MICHAEL LAMONT, JOHN FENNER, RICHARD DAWKING Assistant Art Decorator SHARON CARTWRIGHT Set Dresser DOUG VON KOSS Assistant Set Dresser CHUCK RAY Constuction Manager BILL WELCH Assistant Construction Manager ALAN BOOTH Construction Supervisor ROGER IRVIN General Foreman BILL IIAMS Construction Foreman GREG CALLAS, GUY CLAUSE, DOUG ELLIOT, STAN WAKASHIGE Laborer Foremen GENE FUKUZAWA, DON JOHNSON Paint Foreman GARY CLARK Standby Painter GIOVANNI FERRARA Sketch Artist ROY CARNON Scenic Artist TED MICHELL Assistant Scenic Artist STEVEN SALLYBANKS Decor and Lettering Artist BOB WALKER, BRIAN SMITH Electronic Graphic Consultant ROB DICKINSON Set Draftsmen REG BREAM, MARK BILLERMAN, CHRIS CAMPELL GEORGE DJURKOVIC, GAVIN BOCQUET, KEVIN PHIPPS Production Buyers DAVID LUSBY, IAN GILADJIAN Constuction Storeman DAVID MIDDLETON Art Department Secretary CAROL REGAN Location Director of Photography JIM GLENNON Additional Photography JACK LOWIN Operating Cameramen ALEC MILLS, TOM LAUGHRIDGE, MIKE BENSON Focus Puller MICHAEL FRIFT, CHRIS TANNER Assistant Cameramen Leo NAPOLITANO, BOB LA BONGE Second Assistant Cameramen SIMON HUME, STEVE TATE, MARTIN KENZIE, MICHAEL GLENNON Gaffers MIKE PANTAGES, BOB BREMNER Aerial Photography RON GOODMAN, MARGARET HERRON Helicopter Pilot MARK WOLFE Key Grip DICK DOVA SPAH Best Boy JOE CROWLEY Dolly Grip CHUNKY HUSE, REG HALL Matte Photography Consultant STANLEY SAYER, B.S.C.                           Rigging Gaffers CLARK GARLAND, TOMMY BROWN Electrician Bill DREYFUSS Craft Service GEORGE MAURICIO Chief Make-Up Artist TOM SMITH, GRAHAM FREEBORN Make-Up Artists PETER ROBB KING, DICKIE MILLS KAY FREEBORN, NICK DUDMAN, ALAN BROWNIE Make-Up Assistants BOB KEEN, SUE OAKS, CHRISTINE ALLSOPP, DANIEL PARKER JEREMY HARRIS, TERRI ANDERSON Make-Up Effects Engineer BOB BROMLEY Modellers MICHAEL OSBORN, JAN STEVENS, CHRISTINE OVERS, RICHARD PADBURY Chief Hairdresser PATRICIA McDERMONT Hairdressers MIKE LOCKEY, PAUL LE BLANC Chief Articulation Engineer STUART ZIFF Assistant Articulation Engineer EBEN STROMQUIST Armature Design PETER RONZANI Plastic Designer RICHARD DAVIS Sculptural Designers CHUCK WILEY, JAMES HOWARD Key Sculptors DAVE CARSON, TONY McVEY, DAVE SOSALLA, JUDY ELKINS, DEREK HOWARTH Cheif Moldmaker WESLEY SEEDS Moldmaker RON YOUNG Creature Technicians RANDY DUTRA, KIRK THATCHER, DAN HOWARD, JAMES ISAAC, BRIAN TURNER, JEANNE LAUREN, RICHARD SPAH JR., ETHAN WILEY, RAY HANSON, RODGER SHAW Creature Consultants JON BERG, CHRIS WALAS Production/Creature Co-Ordinator PATTY BLAU Latex Foam Lab Supervisor TOM McLAUGHLIN Animatronics Engineers JOHN COPPINGER Wardrobe Supervisor RON BECK Costume Supervisor MARY ELIZABETH STILL Wardrobe Mistress JANET TEBROOKE Shop Manager JENNY GREEN Jeweler RICHARD MILLER Wardrode Assistants PATRICK  WHEATLEY, COLIN WILCON, JANET LUCAS, DIANE MURPHY, MICHAEL JEFFREY, KEITH MORTON, JOHN BIRKINSHAW Creature Costumers BARBARA KASSAL, EDWIN PELLIKKA, ANNE POLLAND, ELVIRA ANGELINETTA, MICK BECKER, CLAUDIA EVERETT, LAURIE RUDD, NANCY SERVIN, KARRIN KAIN, DERIK HYDE, MAGGIE JOY, PATTE MOON, JANICE GARTIN, JULIE WOODBRIDGE, BARBARA GILLETT, RITA WAKELY, EILEEN SULLIVAN Property Master PETER HANCOCK Assistant Property Master CHARLES TORBETT Property Supervisors DAN COANGELO, BRIAN LOFTHOUSE Property HOLLY WALKER, IVAN VAN PERRE Propmakers BILL HARGREAVES, RICHARD PETERS Master Carpenter BERT LONG Master Plasterer KENNY CLARKE Master Painter ERIC SHIRTCLIFFE Supervising Rigger RED LAWRENCE Supervising Stagehabd EDDIE BURKE Sail Co-Ordinators BILL KREYSLER, WARWICK TOMPKINS Sails Engineering DERRICK BAYLIS, PEGGY KASHUBA Production Sound TONY DAWE, RANDY THOM Boom Operators DAVID BATCHELOR, DAVID PARKER Sound Assistants SHEP DAWE, JIM MANSON Audio Engineers T.M. CHRISTOPHER, KRIS HANDWERK, TOM JOHNSON, BRIAN KELLY, ROBERT MARTY, SCOTT ROBINSON, DENNIE THORPE, JOHN WATSON Post-Production Assistants CATHERINE COOMBS, K.C. HODENFIELD, JAMES KESSLER, SUSAN LEAHY English Lyrics JOSEPH WILLIAMS Huttesse Lyrics ANNIE ARBOGAST Ewokese Lyrics BEN BURTT Re-Recording Mixers GARY SUMMER, ROGER SAVAGE, BEN BURTT, RANDY THOM Music Recording ERIC TOMLINSON Orchestrations HERBERT W. SPENCER Supervising Music Editor KENNETH WANNBERG Re-Recording Engineer TOMLINSON HOLMAN Assistant Film Editors STEVE STARKEY, CONRAD BUFF, PHIL SANDERSON, NICK HOSKER, DEBRA McDERMOTT, CLIVE HARTLEY Sound Effects Editors RICHARD BURROW, TERESA ECKTON, KEN FISHER Dialogue Editors LAUREL LADEVICH, CURT SCHULKEY, BONNIE KOEHLER, VICKIE ROSE SAMPSON Assistant Sound Editors CHRIS WEIR, BILL MANN, GLORIA BORDERS, SUZANNE FOX, KATHY RYAN, NANCY JENKS, MARY HELEN LEASMAN Production Supervisor DOUGLAS TWIDDY Production Executive ROBERT LATHAM BROWN Unit Production Manager MIKI HERMAN Assistant Production Manager PATRICA CARR Associate to Producer LOUIS G. FRIEDMAN First Assistant Director/Second Unit Director DAVID TOMBLIN Second Assistant Directors ROY BUTTON, MICHEAL STEELE, CHRIS NEWMAN, RUSSELL LODGE Production Assistant IAN BRYCE Production Co-Ordinator LATA RYAN Co-Ordination Assistants SUNNI KERWIN, GAIL SAMUELSON Script Supervisor PAMELA MANN FRANCIS Location Script Supervisor BOB FOREST Stunt Co-Ordinator GLENN RANDALL Stunt Arranger PETER DIAMOND Casting MARY SELWAY BUCKLEY Location Casting DAVE EMAN, BILL LYTLE Assistants to Mr. Kazanjian KATHLEEN HARTNEY ROSS, BETTY SHARP Assistant to Mr. Bloom JOHN SYRJAMAKI Assistant to Mr. Lucas JANE BAY Assistant to Mr. Marquand LEILA KIRKPATRICK Choreographer GILLIAN GREGORY Location Choreographer WENDY ROGERS Production Controller ARTHUR CARROLL Production Accountant MARGARET MITCHELL Production Accountant COLIN HURREN Assistant Accountants SHEALA DANIELL, BARBARA HARLEY, SIAN WILLIAMS, ALEX MATCHAM Location Accountants DIANE DANKWARDT, PINKI RAGAN, DICK WRIGHT, SUSAN ROYAL Transportation Co-Ordinator GENE SCHWARTZ Transportation Captains JOHN FEINBLATT, H. LEE NOBLITT Studio Transportation Managers VIC MINAY, MARK LA BONGE Location Contact LENNIE FIKE Still Photographers ALBERT CLARKE, RALPH NELSON JR.                            Unit Publicist GORDON ARNELL Assistant Publicist JUNE BROOM Marketing SIDNEY GANIS, SUSAN TREMBLY Photographic Co-Ordinators BARB LAKIN, KATHY WIPPERT Research DEBORAH FINE Special Effects Supervisor ROY ARBOGAST Special Effect Foreman WILLIAM DAVID LEE Special Effects Floor Controller IAN WINGROVE Senior Effects Technicians PETER DAWSON, RODNEY FULLER, NEIL SWAN, TREVOR NEIGHBOUR, DAVID WATSON Chief Electronics Technician RON HONE Special Effects Technicians KEN GITTENS, BARRY WHITROD, JOHN HATT, TERRY GLASS, YVES DE BONO, STEVE LLOYD, ROGER NICHOLS, PAUL KNOWLES Wire Specialists BOB HARMAN, STEVE CRAWLEY Location Special Effects KEVIN PIKE, MIKE WOOD, DAVID SIMMONS, GARY ZINK, EDDIE SURKIN, JOHN STIRBER, BRUNO VAN ZEEBROECK, JOHN CHAPOT, WILLIAM KLINGER JR. DONALD CHADLER Electrical Engineer TERRY COX Effects Co-Ordinator JOHN BAKER Effects Secretary REBECCA WEST MINIATURE AND OPTICAL EFFECTS UNIT INDUSTRIAL LIGHT AND MAGIC Optical Photography Supervisor BRUCE NICHOLSON Effects Cameramen DON DOW, MICHAEL J. McALISTER, BILL NEIL, SCOTT FARRAR, SELWYN EDDY III, MICHAEL OWENS, ROBERT ELSWIT, RICK FICHTER, STEWART BARBEE, MARK GREDELL, DAVID HARDBURGER Assistant Cameramen PAT SWEENEY, KIM MARKS, ROBERT HILL, RAY GILBERTI, RANDY JOHNSON, PATRICK McARDLE, PETER DAULTON, BESSIE WILEY, MARYAN EVANS, TOBY HEIDEL, DAVID FINCHER, PETER ROMANO Optical Printer Operators JOHN ELIS, DAVID BERRY, KENNETH SMITH, DONALD CLARK, MARK VARGO, JAMES LIM Optical Line-Up TOM ROSSETER, ED L. JONES, RALPH GORDON, PHILIP BARBERIO, PEG HUNTER, MARY WALTER, MICHAEL SHANNON Lab Technicians TIM GEIDEMAN, DUNCAN MYERS, MICHAEL S. MOORE Art Directors-Visual Effects JOE JOHNSTON Production Illustrator GEORGE JENSON Stop Motion Animator TOM ST. AMAND Matte Painting Supervisor MICHAEL PANGRAZIO Matte Painting Artists CHRIS EVANS, FRANK ORDAZ Matte Photography NEIL KREPELA, CRAIG BARRON Chief Model Makers PAUL HUSTON, CHARLES BAILEY, MICHAEL GLENN FULMER, EASE OWYEUNG Model Makers WILLIAM MARSHALL, SEAN CASEY, LARRY TAN, BARBARA GALLUCCI, JEFF MANN, IRA KEELER, BILL BECK, MIKE COCHRANE, BARBARA AFFONSO, BILL BUTTERFIELD, MARCHI McMAHON, RANDY OTTENBERG, ROBERT BOVILL Modelshop Supervisors LORNE PETERSON, STEVE GAWLEY Animation Supervisor JAMES KEEFER Head Effects Animators GARRY WALLER, KIMBERLY KNOWLTON Effects Animators TERRY WINDELL, RENEE HOLT, MIKE LESSA, SAMUEL COMSTOCK, ROB LA DUCA, ANNICK THERRIEN, SUKI STERN, MARGOT PIPKIN, JOHN ARMSTRONG, REBECCA PETRULLI, DARRYL STUDBAKER, PHILIP NORWOOD Supervising Visual Effects Editor ARTHUR REPOLA Visual Effects Editors HOWARD STEIN, PETER AMUNDSON, BILL KIMBERLIN Assistant Visual Effects Editors ROBERT CHRISOULIS, MICHAEL GLEASON, JAY IGNASZEWSKI, JOE CLASS, TERRY PECK, DANIEL CANDIB General Manager, ILM TOM SMITH Production Supervisor PATRICIA ROSE DUIGNAN Production Co-Ordinators WARREN FRANKLIN, LAURIE VERMONT Administrative Staff CHRISSE ENGLAND, LAURA KAYSEN, PAULA KARSH, KAREN AYERS, SONJA PAULSON, KAREN DUBE, ED BREED, LES THALER, MIKE COOPER, NED GORMAN, RON FODE Production Assistants SUSAN FRITZ-MONAHAN, KATHY SHINE, GEOFFREY DeVALOIS Supervisor-Still Photography TERRY CHOSTNER Still Photographers ROBERTO McGRATH, KERRY MORDQUIST Electronic System Designers JERRY JEFFRESS, KRIS BROWN Electronic Engineers MIKE MacKENZIE, MARTY BRENNEIS Computer Graphics WILLIAM REEVES, TOM DUFF Equipment Engineering Supervisor GENE WHITEMAN Machinists UDO PAMPEL, CONRAD BONDERSON Apprentice Machinists DAVID HANKS, CHRIS RAND Design Engineer MIKE BOLLES Equipment Support Staff WADE CHILDRESS, MICHAEL J. SMITH, CRISTI McCARTHY, ED TENNLER Supervising Stage Technician TED MOEHNKE Stage Foreman PATRICK FITZSIMMONS Stage Technicians BOB FINLEY III, ED HIRSH, JOHN McLEOD, PETER STOLZ, DAVE CHILDERS, HAROLD COLE, MERLIN OHM, JOE FULMER, LANCE BRAKETT Pyrotechnicians THAINE MORRIS, DAVE PIER Steadicam Plate Photography GARRET BROWN Ultra High Speed Photography BRUCE HILL PRODUCTIONS Color Timers JIM SCHURMANN, BOB HAGANS Negative Cutter SUNRISE FILM INC.                      Additional Optical Effects LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN FILMS, PACIFIC TITLE, MONACO FILM LABS, CALIFORNIA FILM, VISUAL CONCEPTS ENGINEERING, MOVIE MAGIC, VAN der VEER PHOTO EFFECTS EWOKS MARGO APOSTOCOS                                LINDA BOWLEY RAY ARMSTRONG                                  PETER BURROUGHS EILEEN BAKER                                   DEBBIE CARRINGTON MICHAEL H. BALHAM                              MAUREEN CHARLTON BOBBIE BELL                                    WILLIAM COPPEN PATTY BELL                                     SADIE CORRIE ALAN BENNETT                                   TONY COX SARAH BENNETT                                  JOHN CUMMING PAMELA BETTS                                   JEAN D'AGOSTINO DAN BLACKNER                                   LUIS DE JESUS DEBBIE DIXON                                   JOHN LUMMISS MARGARITA FERNANDEZ                            NANCY MACLEAN PHIL FONDACARO                                 PETER MANDELL SAL FONDACARO                                  CAROLE MORRIS TONY FRIEL                                     STACY NICHOLS DAN FRISHMAN                                   CHRIS NUNN JOHN GAVAM                                     BARBARA O'LAUGHLIN MICHAEL GILDEN                                 BRIAN ORENSTIEN PAUL GRANT                                     HARRELL PARKER JR. LARS GREEN                                      JOHN PEDRICK LYDIA GREEN                                    APRIL PERKINS PAM GRIZZ                                      RONNIE PHILLIPS ANDREW HERD                                    KATIE PERVIS J. J. JACKSON                                  CAROL READ GLYNN JONES                                    NICHOLAS READ RICHARD JONES                                  DIANA REYNOLDS TREVOR JONES                                   DANIEL RODGERS KAREN LAY                                      CHRIS ROMANO DEAN SHACKENFORD                               JOSEPHINE STADDON KIRAN SHAH                                     KEVIN THOMPSON FELIX SILLA                                    KENDRA WALL LINDA SPRIGGS                                  BRIAN WHEELER GERARLD STADDON                                BUTCH WILHELM Mime Artists FRANK ANDERSON, AILSA BERK, SEAN CRAWFORD, ANDY CUNNINGHAM, TIM DRY, GRAEME HATTRICK, PHIL HERBERT, GERALD HOME, PAUL SPRINGER Stunt Performers BOB ANDERSON, DIRK YOHAN BEER, MORC BOYLE, MIKE CASSIDY, TRACY EDDON, SANDRA GROSS, TED GROSSMAN, FRANK HENSON, LARRY HOLT, BILL HORRIGAN, ALF JOINT, JULIUS LEFLORE, COLIN SKEAPING, MALCOM WEAVER, PAUL WESTON, BOB YERKES, DAN ZORMEIER Thanks to the U.S. Department of Interior Bureau of Land Management and National Park Service Photographed in Buttercup Valley, Death Valley, and Smith River, California and EMI-Elstree Studios, Borehamwood, England Cameras and Lenses by Joe Dunton Cameras Ltd.       Aerial Camera System by Wesscam Camera Systems (Europe) Lighting Equipment and Crew from Lee Electic Ltd.       Production Vehicles Courtesy of GMC Truck and Oldsmobile Location Service by Cinemobile Air Transportation by PAN AM Re-Recording at Sprocket Systems  Music Recoring at Anvil-Abbey Road Studio Special Visual Effects Produced at Industrial Light and Magic, Marin County, California Color by Rank Film Laboratories Prints by Deluxe Recorded in DOLBY STEREO A Lucasfilm Ltd. Production A Twentieth Century-Fox Release Music Performed by the London Symphony Orchestra Original Soundtrack on RSO Records and Tapes Novelization from Ballantine Books TM & Lucasfilm Ltd (LFL) 1983 All Rights Reserved MPAA CODE NO. 26991 MPAA RATING: PG Running Time: 2 hours 13 minutes Return to Star Wars Return Of The Jedi Return to Star Wars Return to SS Online Universe Home

Episode VI REVENGE OF THE JEDI BY LAWRENCE KASDAN AND GEORGE LUCAS FROM THE NOVEL BY GEORGE LUCAS SECOND DRAFT - DECEMBER 19, 1982

1 SPACE 1

The boundless heavens serve as a back-drop for the MAIN TITLE, followed by a ROLL-UP, which crawls into infinity.

Episode VI:

REVENGE OF THE JEDI... Luke Skywalker has returned to his home planet of Tatooine in an attempt to rescue his friend Han Solo from the clutches of the vile gangster Jabba the Hutt.

Little does Luke know that the GALACTIC EMPIRE has secretly begun construction on a              new armored space station even more powerful than the first dreaded Death Star.

When completed, this ultimate weapon will spell certain doom for the small band of              Rebels struggling to restore freedom to the galaxy...

PAN DOWN to reveal a monstrous half-completed Death Star, its massive superstructure curling away from the completed section like the arms of a giant octopus. Beyond, in benevolent contrast, floats the small, green moon of ENDOR.

An Imperial Star Destroyer moves overhead toward the massive armored space station, followed by two zipping TIE fighters. A    small Imperial shuttle rockets from the main bay of the ship and hustles toward the Death Star.

2 INT IMPERIAL SHUTTLE - COCKPIT 2

The shuttle captain makes contact with the Death Star.

SHUTTLE CAPTAIN Command station, this is ST 321. Code Clearance Blue. We're starting our approach. Deactivate the security shield.

DEATH STAR CONTROLLER (filtered VO) The security deflector shield will be              deactivated when we have confirmation of your code transmission. Stand by... You are clear to proceed.

SHUTTLE CAPTAIN We're starting our approach.

3 INT DEATH STAR - CONTROL ROOM 3

Operators move about among the control panels. A SHIELD OPERATOR hits switches beside a large screen, on which is a display of the Death Star, the moon Endor, and a bright web delineating the invisible deflector shield.

A control officer rushes over to the shield operator.

OFFICER Inform the commander that Lord Vader's              shuttle has arrived.

OPERATOR Yes, sir.

The control officer moves to a view port and watches as the Imperial shuttle lands in the massive docking bay. A squad of    Imperial stormtroopers moves into formation before the craft.

4 INT DEATH STAR - MAIN DOCKING BAY 4

The DEATH STAR COMMANDER, MOFF JERJERROD, a tall, confident technocrat, strides through the assembled troops to the base of    the shuttle ramp. The troops snap to attention; many are uneasy about the new arrival. But the Death Star commander stands arrogantly tall.

The exit hatch of the shuttle opens with a WHOOSH, revealing only darkness. Then, heavy FOOTSTEPS AND MECHANICAL BREATHING. From this black void appears DARTH VADER, LORD OF THE SITH. Vader looks over the assemblage as he walks down the ramp.

JERJERROD Lord Vader, this is an unexpected pleasure. We're honored by your presence.

VADER You may dispense with the pleasantries, Commander. I'm here to put you back on              schedule.

The commander turns ashen and begins to shake.

JERJERROD I assure you, Lord Vader, my men are working as fast as they can.

VADER Perhaps I can find new ways to              motivate them.

JERJERROD I tell you, this station will be operational as planned.

VADER The Emperor does not share your optimistic appraisal of the situation.

JERJERROD But he asks the impossible. I need more men.

VADER Then perhaps you can tell him when he              arrives.

JERJERROD (aghast) The Emperor's coming here?

VADER That is correct, Commander. And he is most displeased with your apparent lack of              progress.

JERJERROD We shall double our efforts.

VADER I hope so, Commander, for your sake. The Emperor is not as forgiving as I am.

5 EXT ROAD TO JABBA'S PALACE - TATOOINE 5

A lonely, windswept road meanders through the desolate Tatooine terrain. We HEAR a familiar BEEPING and a distinctive reply before catching sight of ARTOO-DETOO and SEE-THREEPIO, making their way along the road toward the ominous palace of Jabba the Hutt.

THREEPIO Of course I'm worried. And you should be, too. Lando Calrissian and poor Chewbacca never returned from this awful place.

Artoo whistles timidly.

THREEPIO Don't be so sure. If I told you half the things I've heard about this Jabba the Hutt, You'd probably short-circuit.

The two droids fearfully approach the massive gate to the palace.

THREEPIO Artoo, are you sure this is the right place? I better knock, I suppose.

6 EXT JABBA'S PALACE - GATE 6

Threepio looks around for some kind of signaling device, then timidly knocks on the iron door.

THREEPIO (instantly) There doesn't seem to be anyone there. Let's              go back and tell Master Luke.

A small hatch in the middle of the door opens and a spidery mechanical arm, with a large electronic eyeball on the end, pops out and inspects the two droids.

STRANGE VOICE Tee chuta hhat yudd!

THREEPIO Goodness gracious me!

Threepio points to Artoo, then to himself.

THREEPIO Artoo Detoowha bo Seethreepiowha ey toota odd mischka Jabba du Hutt.

The eye looks from one robot to the other, there is a laugh then the eye zips back into the door. The hatch slams shut. Artoo beeps his concern.

THREEPIO I don't think they're going to let us in, Artoo. We'd better go.

Artoo beeps his reluctance as Threepio turns to leave. Suddenly the massive door starts to rise with a horrific metallic SCREECH. The robots turn back and face an endless black cavity. The droids look at one another, afraid to enter.

Artoo starts forward into the gloom. Threepio rushes after his stubby companion. The door lowers noisily behind them.

THREEPIO Artoo, wait. Oh, dear! Artoo. Artoo, I really don't think we should rush into all this.

Artoo continues down the corridor, with Threepio following.

THREEPIO Oh, Artoo! Artoo, wait for me!

7 INT JABBA'S PALACE - HALLWAY 7

The door slams shut with a loud crash that echoes throughout the dark passageway. The frightened robots are met by two giant, green GAMORREAN GUARDS, who fall in behind them. Threepio glances quickly back at the two lumbering brutes, then back to Artoo. One guard grunts an order. Artoo beeps nervously.

THREEPIO Just you deliver Master Luke's message and get us out of here. Oh my! Oh! Oh, no.

Walking toward them out of the darkness is BIB FORTUNA, a    humanlike alien with long tentacles protruding from his skull.

BIB Die Wanna Wanga!

THREEPIO Oh, my! Die Wanna Wauaga. We -- we bring a              message to your master, Jabba the Hutt.

Artoo lets out a series of quick beeps.

THREEPIO (cont) ... and a gift. (thinks a moment, then to Artoo) Gift, what gift?

Bib shakes his head negatively.

BIB Nee Jabba no badda. Me chaade su goodie.

Bib holds out his hand toward Artoo and the tiny droid backs up a    bit, letting out a protesting array of squeaks. Threepio turns to    the strange-looking alien.

THREEPIO He says that our instructions are to give it              only to Jabba himself.

Bib thinks about this for a moment.

THREEPIO I'm terribly sorry. I'm afraid he's ever so              stubborn about these sort of things.

Bib gestures for the droids to follow.

BIB Nudd Chaa.

The droids follow the tall, tentacled alien into the darkness, trailed by the two guards.

THREEPIO Artoo, I have a bad feeling about this.

8 INT JABBA'S THRONE ROOM 8

The throne room is filled with the vilest, most grotesque CREATURES ever conceived in the universe. Artoo and Threepio seem very small as they pause in the doorway to the dimly lit chamber. Light shafts partially illuminate the drunken courtiers as Bib Fortuna crosses the room to the platform upon which rests the leader of this nauseating crowd: JABBA THE HUTT. The monarch of    the galactic underworld is a repulsive blob of bloated fat with a     maniacal grin. Chained to the horrible creature is the beautiful alien female dancer named OOLA. At the foot of the dais sits an    obnoxious birdlike creature, SALACIOUS CRUMB. Bib whispers something in the slobbering degenerate's ear. Jabba laughs horribly, at the two terrified droids before him. Threepio bows politely.

THREEPIO Good morning.

JABBA Bo Shuda!

The robots jump forward to stand before the repulsive, loose- skinned villain.

THREEPIO The message, Artoo, the message.

Artoo whistles, and a beam of light projects from his domed head, creating a HOLOGRAM of LUKE on the floor. The image grows to over ten feet tall, and the young Jedi towers over the space gangsters.

LUKE Greetings, Exalted One. Allow me to introduce myself. I am Luke Skywalker, Jedi Knight and friend to Captain Solo. I know that you are powerful, mighty Jabba, and that your anger with Solo must be equally powerful. I seek an              audience with Your Greatness to bargain for Solo's life. (Jabba's crowd laughs) With your wisdom, I'm sure that we can work out an              arrangement which will be mutually beneficial and enable us to avoid any unpleasant confrontation. As a token of my goodwill, I              present to you a gift: these two droids.

Threepio is startled by this announcement.

THREEPIO What did he say?

LUKE (cont) ... Both are hardworking and will serve you well.

THREEPIO This can't be! Artoo, you're playing the wrong message.

Luke's hologram disappears.

Jabba laughs while Bib speaks to him in Huttese.

JABBA (in Huttese subtitled) There will be no bargain.

THREEPIO We're doomed.

JABBA (in Huttese subtitled) I will not give up my favorite decoration. I              like Captain Solo where he is.

Jabba laughs hideously and looks toward an alcove beside the throne. Hanging high, flat against the wall, exactly as we saw him last, is a carbonized HAN SOLO.

THREEPIO Artoo, look! Captain Solo. And he's still frozen in carbonite.

9 INT DUNGEON CORRIDOR 9

One of Jabba's Gamorrean guards marches Artoo and Threepio down a    dank, shadowy passageway lined with holding cells. The cries of    unspeakable creatures bounce off the cold stone walls. Occasionally a repulsive arm or tentacle grabs through the bars at the hapless droids. Artoo beeps pitifully.

THREEPIO What could possibly have come over Master Luke. Is it something I did? He never expressed any unhappiness with my work. Oh! Oh! Hold it! Ohh!

A large tentacle wraps around Threepio's neck. He manages to    break free, and they move on to a door at the end of the corridor.

10 INT BOILER ROOM 10

The door slides open, revealing a room filled with steam and noisy machinery. The guard motions them into the boiler room, where they are met by a tall, thin humanlike robot named EV-9D9 (EVE-NINEDENINE). Behind the robot can be seen a torture rack pulling the legs off a screaming baby work droid. A second power droid is upside down. As smoking branding irons are pressed into his feet, the stubby robot lets out an agonized electronic scream. Artoo and Threepio cringe as the guard grunts to EV-9D9.

NINEDENINE Ah, good. New acquisitions. You are a              protocol droid, are you not?

THREEPIO I am See-Threepio, human-cy...

NINEDENINE Yes or no will do.

THREEPIO Oh. Well, yes.

NINEDENINE How many languages do you speak?

THREEPIO I am fluent in over six million forms of              communication, and can readily...

NINEDENINE Splendid! We have been without an interpreter since our master got angry with our last protocol droid and disintegrated him.

THREEPIO Disintegrated?

NINEDENINE (to a Gamorrean guard) Guard! This protocol droid might be useful. Fit him with a restraining bolt and take him back to His Excellency's main audience chamber.

The guard shoves Threepio toward the door.

THREEPIO (disappearing) Artoo, don't leave me! Ohhh!

Artoo lets out a plaintive cry as the door closes. Then he beeps angrily.

NINEDENINE You're a feisty little one, but you'll soon learn some respect. I have need for you on              the master's Sail Barge. And I think you'll              fit in nicely.

The poor work droid in the background lets out another tortured electronic scream.

11 INT JABBA'S THRONE ROOM 11

The court of Jabba the Hutt is in the midst of a drunken, raucous party. Sloppy, smelly monsters cheer and make rude noises as Oola and a fat female dancer perform in front of Jabba's throne.

Jabba leers at the dancers and with a lustful gleam in his eye beckons Oola to come and sit with him. She stops dancing and backs away, shaking her head. Jabba gets angry and points to a    spot next to him.

JABBA Da Eitha!

The lovely alien shakes her head again and screams.

OOLA Na Chuba negatorie Na! Na! Natoota...

Jabba is furious and pulls her toward him, tugging on the chain.

JABBA Boscka!

He pushes a button and, before the dancer can flee, a trap door in the floor springs open and swallows her up. As the door snaps shut, a muffled growl is followed by a hideous scream. Jabba and his monstrous friends laugh hysterically and several revelers hurry over to watch her fate through a grate.

Threepio cringes and glances wistfully at the carbonite form of    Han Solo, but is immediately distracted by a gunshot offscreen. An unnatural quiet sweeps the boisterous gathering. On the far side of the room, the crush of debauchers moves aside to allow the approach of two guards followed by BOUSHH, an oddly cloaked bounty hunter, leading his captive, Han Solo's copilot, CHEWBACCA THE WOOKIEE.

Bib takes his place next to his disgusting master, and whispers into his ear, pointing at Chewbacca and the bounty hunter. Jabba listens intently, then the bounty hunter bows before the gangster and speaks a greeting in a strange, electronically processed tongue (Ubese).

BOUSHH (in Ubese subtitled) I have come for the bounty on this Wookiee.

THREEPIO Oh, no! Chewbacca!

JABBA (in Huttese subtitled) At last we have the mighty Chewbacca.

Jabba lets out a loud, long, blood-curdling laugh and turns to    Threepio, waving him closer. The reluctant droid obeys.

THREEPIO Oh, uh, yes, uh, I am here, Your Worshipfulness. Uh... yes!

Jabba continues speaking, as Threepio nervously translates. Boushh listens, studying the dangerous creatures around the room. He notices BOBA FETT standing near the door.

THREEPIO Oh. The illustrious Jabba bids you welcome and will gladly pay you the reward of twenty- five thousand.

BOUSHH (in Ubese subtitled) I want fifty thousand. No less.

Jabba immediately flies into a rage, knocking the golden droid off the raised throne into a clattering heap on the floor. Boushh adjusts his weapon as Jabba raves in Huttese and Threepio struggles back onto the throne. The disheveled droid tries to    compose himself.

THREEPIO Uh, oh... but what, what did I say? (to Boushh) Uh, the mighty Jabba asks why he must pay fifty thousand.

The bounty hunter holds up a small silver ball in his hand. Threepio looks at it, then looks at Jabba, then back to the bounty hunter. The droid is very nervous and Jabba is getting very impatient.

THREEPIO Because he's holding a thermal detonator.

The guards instantly back away, as do most of the other monsters in the room. Jabba stares at the silver ball, which begins to    glow in the bounty hunter's hand. The room has fallen into a    tense hush. Jabba stares at the bounty hunter malevolently until a sly grin creeps across his vast mouth and he begins to laugh.

JABBA (in Huttese subtitled) This bounty hunter is my kind of scum. Fearless and inventive.

Jabba continues.

THREEPIO Jabba offers the sum of thirty-five. And I              suggest you take it.

Bib and the other monsters study the bounty hunter and wait for his reaction. Boushh releases a switch on the thermal detonator and it goes dead.

BOUSHH Zeebuss.

THREEPIO He agrees!

The raucous crowd of monsters erupts in a symphony of cheers and applause as the party returns to its full noisy pitch. Chewbacca growls. As he is led away we spot LANDO CALRISSIAN, disguised as    a skiff guard in a partial face mask. The band starts up and dancing girls take the center of the floor, to the hoots of the loudly appreciative creatures.

Boushh leans against a column with gunfighter cool and surveys the scene, his gaze stopping only when it connects with a glare from across the room. Boba Fett is watching him. Boushh shifts slightly, cradling his weapon lovingly. Boba Fett shifts with equally ominous arrogance.

12 INT DUNGEON CORRIDOR AND CELL 12

Gamorrean guards lead Chewie down the same hallway we saw before. When a tentacle reaches out at the Wookiee, Chewie's ferocious ROAR echoes against the walls and the tentacle snaps back into its cell in terror. It takes all the guards to hurl Chewie roughly into a cell, slamming the door behind him. Chewie lets out a pathetic howl and bangs on the iron door.

13 EXT JABBA'S PALACE 13

The palace is sitting in the light of the double sunset. On the road in front, a large toadlike creature flicks its tongue out for a desert rodent and burps in satisfaction.

14 INT JABBA'S THRONE ROOM - NIGHT 14

Silence. The room is deserted, only the awful debris of the alien celebration giving mute witness to the activity here before. Several drunk creatures lie unconscious around the room, snoring loudly.

A shadowy figure moves stealthily among the columns at the perimeter of the room and is revealed to be Boushh, the bounty hunter. He picks his way carefully through the snoring, drunken monsters.

Han Solo, the frozen space pirate, hangs spotlighted on the wall, his coffin-like case suspended by a force field. The bounty hunter deactivates the force field by flipping a control switch to one side of the coffin. The heavy case slowly lowers to the floor of the alcove.

Boushh steps up to the case, studying Han, then turns to the controls on the side of the coffin. He activates a series of    switches and, after one last, hesitant look at Han, slides the decarbonization lever. The case begins to emit a sound as the hard shell covering the contours of Han's face begins to melt away. The bounty hunter watches as Han's body is freed of its metallic coat and his forearms and hands, previously raised in    reflexive protest, drop slackly to his side. His face muscles relax from their mask of horror. He appears quite dead.

Boushh's ugly helmet leans close to Han's face listening for the breath of life. Nothing. He waits. Han's eyes pop open with a    start and he begins coughing. The bounty hunter steadies the staggering newborn.

BOUSHH Just relax for a moment. You're free of the carbonite.

Han touches his face with his hand and moans.

BOUSHH Shhh. You have hibernation sickness.

HAN I can't see.

BOUSHH You eyesight will return in time.

HAN Where am I?

BOUSHH Jabba's palace.

HAN Who are you?

The bounty hunter reaches up and lifts the helmet from his head, revealing the beautiful face of PRINCESS LEIA.

LEIA Someone who loves you.

HAN Leia!

LEIA I gotta get you out of here.

As Leia helps her weakened lover to stand up, the relative quiet is pierced by an obscene HUTTESE CACKLE from the other side of    the alcove.

HAN What's that? I know that laugh.

The curtain on the far side of the alcove opens, revealing Jabba the Hutt, surrounded by Bib and other aliens. He laughs again, and his gross cronies join in a cacophony of alien glee.

HAN Hey, Jabba. Look, Jabba, I was just on my way to pay you back, but I got a little sidetracked. It's not my fault.

Jabba laughs.

JABBA (in Huttese subtitled) It's too late for that, Solo. You may have been a good smuggler, but now you're Bantha fodder.

HAN Look...

JABBA (cont Huttese subtitled) Take him away!

The guards grab Han and start to lead him away.

HAN Jabba... I'll pay you triple! You're throwing away a fortune here. Don't be a fool!

Han is dragged off, as Lando quickly moves forward and attempts to lead Leia away.

JABBA (in Huttese subtitled) Bring her to me.

Jabba chuckles as Lando and a second guard drag the beautiful young princess toward him. Threepio peeks from behind a monster and quickly turns away in disgust.

LEIA We have powerful friends. You're gonna regret this...

JABBA (in Huttese subtitled) I'm sure.

Inexorably her lovely face moves to within a few inches of    Jabba's ugly blob of a head, and Leia turns away in disgust.

LEIA Ugh!

THREEPIO Ohhh, I can't bear to watch.

15 INT DUNGEON CELL 15

The heavy metal door of the dungeon whines and slowly creaks open. A guard throws the blinded star captain into the dark cell and the door slams shut behind him, leaving only a thin sliver of    light from a crack in the door. Han is trying to collect himself when suddenly a growl is heard from the far side of the cell. He    jumps back against the cell door and listens.

HAN Chewie? Chewie, is that you?

The shadowy figure lets out a crazy yell and races toward Han, lifting him off the ground with a big hug that carries them into the light, revealing Chewie.

HAN Ah! Chew--Chewie!

The giant Wookiee barks with glee.

HAN Wait. I can't see, pal. What's goin' on?

Chewie barks an excited blue streak.

HAN Luke? Luke's crazy. He can't even take care of himself, much less rescue anybody.

Chewie barks a reply.

HAN A...Jedi Knight? I--I'm out of it for a              little while, everybody gets delusions of               grandeur.

Chewie growls insistently. He holds Han to his chest and pets his head.

HAN I'm all right, pal. I'm all right.

16 INT MAIN GATE AND HALL - JABBA'S PALACE 16

Noisily, the main gate lifts to flood the blackness with blinding LIGHT and reveal the silhouetted figure of LUKE SKYWALKER. He is    clad in a robe similar to Ben's and wears neither pistol nor laser sword. Luke strides purposefully into the hallway. Two giant guards move to block Luke's path. Luke halts.

Luke raises his hand and points at the puzzled guards, who immediately lower their spears and fall back. The young Jedi lowers his hand and moves on down the hallway.

Bib Fortuna appears out of the gloom. He speaks to Luke as they approach each other, but Luke doesn't stop and Bib must reverse his direction and hurry alongside the young Jedi in order to carry on the conversation. Several other guards fall in behind them in    the darkness.

LUKE I must speak with Jabba.

Bib answers in Huttese, shaking his head in denial. Luke stops and stares at Bib; he raises his hand slightly.

LUKE You will take me to Jabba now!

Bib turns in hypnotic response to Luke's command, and Luke follows him into the gloom.

LUKE You serve your master well.

Bib responds.

LUKE And you will be rewarded.

17 INT JABBA'S THRONE ROOM 17

Jabba is asleep on his throne, with Leia lying in front of him. Salacious sits by Jabba's tail, watching it wriggle. Leia is now dressed in the skimpy costume of a dancing girl; a chain runs from a manacle/necklace at her throat to her new master, Jabba the Hutt. Threepio stands behind Jabba as Bib comes up to the gangster slug.

THREEPIO At last! Master Luke's come to rescue me.

BIB Master.

Jabba awakens with a start and Bib continues, in Huttese.

BIB ...Luke Skywalker, Jedi Knight.

JABBA (in Huttese subtitled) I told you not to admit him.

LUKE I must be allowed to speak.

BIB (in Huttese subtitled) He must be allowed to speak.

Jabba, furious, clobbers Bib and shoves him away.

JABBA (in Huttese subtitled) You weak-minded fool! He's using an old Jedi mind trick.

Luke stares hard at Jabba.

LUKE You will bring Captain Solo and the Wookiee to me.

JABBA (in Huttese subtitled) Your mind powers will not work on me, boy.

LUKE Nevertheless, I'm taking Captain Solo and his friends. You can either profit by this... or              be destroyed! It's your choice. But I warn you not to underestimate my powers.

Jabba's laugh is mean and loud. Threepio attempts to warn Luke about the pit.

THREEPIO Master Luke, you're standing on...

JABBA (in Huttese subtitled) There will be no bargain, young Jedi. I shall enjoy watching you die.

Luke reaches out, and a pistol jumps out of a guard's holster and flies into Luke's hand. The bewildered guard grabs for it as    Jabba raises his hand.

JABBA Bascka!

The floor suddenly drops away, sending Luke and the hapless guard into the pit. The pistol goes off, blasting a hole in the ceiling. Jabba laughs and his courtiers join in. Leia starts forward but is restrained by a human guard-- Lando, recognizable behind his mask. She looks at him and he shakes his head "no."

18 INT RANCOR PIT 18

Luke and the guard have dropped twenty-five feet from a chute into the dungeonlike cage. Luke gets to his feet as the guard yells hysterically for help. A crowd gathers up around the edge of the pit as the door in the side of the pit starts to RUMBLE open. The guard screams in panic. Luke looks calmly around for a    means of escape.

THREEPIO Oh, no! The Rancor!

At the side of the pit, an iron door rumbles upward and a giant, fanged RANCOR emerges. The guard runs to the side of the pit and tries futilely to scramble to the top. The hideous beast closes in on him.

The Rancor moves past Luke, and as the guard continues to    scramble, the Rancor picks him up and pops him into its slavering jaws. A few screams, and the guard is swallowed with a gulp. The audience cheers and laughs at the guard's fate.

The monster turns and starts for Luke. The young Jedi dashes away just ahead of the monster's swipe at him, and picks up the long arm bone of an earlier victim. The monster grabs Luke and brings him up to his salivating mouth. At the last moment, Luke wedges the bone in the monster's mouth and is dropped to the floor. The monster bellows in rage and flails about, hitting the side of the pit, causing an avalanche.

The monster crushes the bone in its jaws and sees Luke, who squeezes into a crevice in the pit wall. Luke looks past the monster to the holding cave beyond. On the far side of the holding cave is a utility door--if only he can get to it. The Rancor spots Luke and reaches into the crevice for him. Luke grabs a large rock and raises it, smashing it down on the Rancor's finger.

19 HOLDING TUNNEL - RANCOR PIT 19

The Rancor lets out a loud howl as Luke makes a run for the holding cave. He reaches the door and pushes a button to open it. When he succeeds, he sees a heavy barred gate between him and safety. Beyond the gate two guards look up from their dinner. Luke turns to see the monster heading for him, and pulls with all his might on the gate. The guards move to the gate and start poking at the young Jedi with spears, laughing.

Luke crouches (against the wall) as the monster starts to reach for him. Suddenly he notices a main door control panel halfway up    the wall. As the Rancor moves in for the kill, Luke picks up a    skull from the cave floor and hurls it at the panel. The giant overhead door comes crashing down on the beast's head, squashing it like a sledgehammer on an egg.

A startled gasp is heard from the stunned court. There's    consternation at this turn of events. Heads look to Jabba, who is    actually turning red with anger. Leia cannot suppress her joy. Jabba utters harsh commands to his guards and they hurry off.

JABBA (in Huttese subtitled) Bring me Solo and the Wookiee. They will all suffer for this outrage.

21 INT RANCOR PIT 21

The Rancor KEEPERS have come into the cage and are examining their dead beast. One of them breaks down and weeps. The other glares menacingly at Luke, who is unworried. Several guards rush into the holding tunnel and take Luke away.

22 INT THRONE ROOM 22

The crowd of creepy courtiers parts as Han and Chewie are brought into the throne room, and other guards drag Luke up the steps.

LUKE Han!

HAN Luke!

LUKE Are you all right?

HAN Fine. Together again, huh?

LUKE Wouldn't miss it.

HAN How are we doing?

LUKE The same as always.

HAN That bad, huh? Where's Leia?

Luke looks to Leia.

LEIA I'm here.

Threepio is standing behind the grotesque gangster as he strokes Leia like a pet cat. Several of the guards, including Lando, bring Luke from the other side of the room. Boba is standing behind Jabba.

Threepio steps forward and translates for the captives.

THREEPIO Oh, dear. His High Exaltedness, the great Jabba the Hutt, has decreed that you are to              be terminated immediately.

HAN Good, I hate long waits.

THREEPIO You will therefore be taken to the Dune Sea and cast into the pit of Carkoon, the nesting place of the all-powerful Sarlacc.

HAN (to Luke) Doesn't sound so bad.

THREEPIO In his belly, you will find a new definition of pain and suffering, as you are slowly digested over a thousand years.

HAN On second thought, let's pass on that, huh?

Chewie barks his agreement.

LUKE You should have bargained, Jabba. That's the last mistake you'll ever make.

Jabba cackles evilly at this.

As the guards drag the prisoners from the throne room, a loud cheer rises from the crowd. Leia and Chewie exchange concerned looks, but Luke Skywalker, Jedi warrior, cannot suppress a smile.

23 EXT TATOOINE SEA - SKIFF 23

Jabba's huge SAIL BARGE moves above the desert surface accompanied by two smaller SKIFFS. One of the skiffs glides close, revealing Luke, Han, and Chewie -- all in bonds -- surrounded by guards, one of whom is Lando in disguise.

HAN I think my eyes are getting better. Instead of a big dark blur, I see a big light blur.

LUKE There's nothing to see. I used to live here, you know.

HAN You're gonna die here, you know. Convenient.

LUKE Just stick close to Chewie and Lando. I've              taken care of everything.

HAN Oh... great!

24 INT BARGE OBSERVATION DECK 24

Jabba the Hutt rides like a sultan in the massive antigravity ship. His entire retinue is with him, drinking, eating, and having a good time. Leia is watching her friends in the skiff when the chain attached to her neck is pulled tight and Jabba tugs the scantily clad princess to him.

JABBA (in Huttese subtitled) Soon you will learn to appreciate me.

Threepio wanders among the Sail Barge aliens, bumping into a    smaller droid serving drinks, spilling them all over the place. The stubby droid lets out an angry series of beeps and whistles.

THREEPIO Oh, I'm terribly sor... Artoo! What are you doing here?

Artoo beeps a quick reply.

THREEPIO Well, I can see you're serving drinks, but this place is dangerous. They're going to              execute Master Luke and, if we're not careful, us too!

Artoo whistles a singsong response.

THREEPIO Hmm. I wish I had your confidence.

25 EXT SARLACC PIT 25

The convoy moves up over a huge sand pit. The Sail Barge stops to    one side of the depression, as does the escort skiff. But the prisoner's skiff moves out directly over the center and hovers. At the bottom of the deep cone of sand is a repulsive, mucous- lined hole, surrounded by thousands of needle-sharp teeth. This is the SARLACC. A plank is extended from the edge of the prisoner's skiff. Guards release Luke's bonds and shove him out onto the plank above the Sarlacc's mouth.

26 EXT SAIL BARGE OBSERVATION DECK 26

Jabba and Leia are now by the rail, watching. Threepio leans forward and the slobbering villain mumbles something to him. As    Threepio steps up to a comlink, Jabba raises his arm and the motley array of intergalactic pirates fall silent. Threepio's    voice is amplified across loudspeakers.

THREEPIO Victims of the almighty Sarlacc: His Excellency hopes that you will die honorably. But should any of you wish to beg for mercy, the great Jabba the Hutt will now listen to              your pleas.

27 EXT SKIFF 27

Han steps forward arrogantly and begins to speak.

HAN Threepio, you tell that slimy piece of... worm-ridden filth he'll get no such pleasure from us. Right?

Chewie growls his agreement.

LUKE Jabba! This is your last chance. Free us or              die.

Lando moves unobtrusively along the skiff as Luke shoots a quick look of conspiracy to him.

28 INT SAIL BARGE OBSERVATION DECK 28

The assembled monsters rock with mocking laughter as Artoo zips unnoticed up the ramp to the upper deck. Jabba's laughter subsides as he speaks into the comlink.

JABBA (in Huttese subtitled) Move him into position.

Jabba makes a thumbs-down gesture. Leia looks worried.

29 EXT BARGE - UPPER DECK 29

Artoo appears from below and zips over to the rail facing the pit. Below, in the skiff, Luke is prodded by a guard to the edge of the plank over the gaping Sarlacc. Luke looks up at Artoo, then gives a jaunty salute: the signal the little droid has been waiting for. A flap opens in Artoo's domed head.

JABBA (in Huttese subtitled) Put him in.

30 EXT SKIFF - PLANK 30

Luke is prodded and jumps off the plank to the cheers of the bloodthirsty spectators. But, before anyone can even perceive what is happening, he spins around and grabs the end of the plank by his fingertips. The plank bends wildly from his weight and catapults him skyward. In midair he does a complete flip and drops down on the end of the plank in the same spot he just vacated, but facing the skiff. He casually extends an open palm and -- his lightsaber, which Artoo has sent arcing toward him, drops into his hand.

With samurai speed, Luke ignites it and attacks the guard who prodded him off the plank, sending the hapless monster screaming overboard. The other guards swarm toward Luke. He wades into them, lightsaber flashing. Lando struggles with another guard at    the back of the skiff.

31 EXT SARLACC PIT 31

A bewildered guard lands in the soft, sandy slope of the pit, and begins sliding. He claws desperately as a Sarlacc tentacle grabs him and pulls him screaming into the viscous mouth.

32 INT SAIL BARGE 32

Jabba watches this and explodes in rage. He barks commands, and the guards around him rush off to do his bidding. The scuzzy creatures watching the action from the window are in an uproar.

33 EXT SKIFF 33

Luke knocks another guard off the skiff and into the waiting mouth of the Sarlacc. He starts to untie Chewie's bonds.

LUKE Easy, Chewie.

At that moment, the deck gunmen on the barge unleash a series of    blasts from a big cannon on the upper deck. Lando is tossed from the deck of the rocking skiff. He manages to grab a rope, and dangles desperately above the Sarlacc pit.

LANDO Whoa! Whoa! Help!

34 EXT UPPER DECK - SAIL BARGE 34

With two swift strides, the dangerous Boba Fett ignites his rocket pack, leaps into the air, and flies from the barge down to    the skiff.

35 EXT SKIFF 35

Boba lands on the skiff and starts to aim his laser gun at Luke, who has freed Han and Chewie from their bonds. But before Boba can fire, the young Jedi spins on him, lightsaber sweeping, and hacks the bounty hunter's gun in half.

Immediately, the skiff takes another direct hit from the barge's    deck gun. Shards of skiff deck fly. Chewie and Han are thrown against the rail.

HAN Chewie, you okay? Where is he?

The Wookiee is wounded and he howls in pain.

HAN I'm okay, pal.

For a moment, Luke is distracted, and in that moment, Boba fires a cable out of his armored sleeve. Instantly, Luke is wrapped in    a strong cable, his arms pinned against his side, his sword arm free only from the wrist down. Luke bends his wrist so the lightsaber points straight up to reach the wire lasso and cuts through. Luke shrugs away the cable and stands free.

Another blast from the Barge's deck gun hits near Boba and he is    knocked unconscious to the deck, next to where Lando is hanging.

LANDO Han! Chewie?

HAN Lando!

Luke is a little shaken but remains standing as a fusillade brackets him. The second skiff, loaded with guards firing their weapons, moves in on Luke fast. Luke leaps toward the incoming second skiff. The young Jedi leaps into the middle of the second skiff and begins decimating the guards from their midst.

Chewie, wounded, tries to lift himself as he barks directions to    Han, guiding him toward a spear which has been dropped by one of     the guards. Han searches the deck as Chewie barks directions; finally he grabs hold of the spear.

Boba Fett, badly shaken, rises from the deck. He looks over at    the other skiff, where Luke is whipping a mass of guards. Boba raises his arm, and aims his lethal appendage.

Chewie barks desperately at Han.

HAN Boba Fett?! Boba Fett?! Where?

The space pirate turns around blindly, and the long spear in his hand whacks squarely in the middle of Boba's rocket pack.

The impact of the swing causes the rocket pack to ignite. Boba blasts off, flying over the second skiff like a missile, smashing against the side of the huge Sail Barge and sliding away into the pit. He screams as his armored body makes its last flight past Lando and directly into the mucous mouth of the Sarlacc. The Sarlacc burps. Chewie growls a weak congratulations to Han.

36 INT SAIL BARGE 36

Leia turns from the spectacle outside, leaps onto Jabba's throne, and throws the chain that enslaves her over his head around his bulbous neck. Then she dives off the other side of the throne, pulling the chain violently in her grasp. Jabba's flaccid neck contracts beneath the tightening chain. His huge eyes bulge from their sockets and his scum-coated tongue flops out. The Exalted Hutt's huge tail spasms through its death throes and then slams down into final stillness. Leia struggles to free herself of her bondage.

37 EXT SKIFF 37

Luke continues to destroy the aliens on the guards' skiff, as Han extends his spear downward to Lando, who is still dangling precariously from a rope on the prisoner's skiff.

HAN Lando, grab it!

LANDO Lower it!

HAN I'm trying!

A major hit from the barge deck gun knocks the skiff on its side. Han and almost everything else on board slides overboard. The rope breaks, and Lando falls to the side of the Sarlacc pit. Luckily, Han's foot catches on the skiff railing and he dangles above Lando and the pit. The wounded Wookiee holds onto the skiff for dear life as another hit from the deck gun rocks the skiff violently.

HAN Whoa! Whoa! Grab me, Chewie! I'm slipping.

Chewie grabs hold of Han's feet, holding him upside down, as Han extends the spear toward Lando, who is clutching to the side of    the pit.

HAN Grab it! L--Lando. Grab!

Luke finishes off the last guard on the second skiff. He sees the deck gun blasting away at his helpless companions. Luke leaps from the skiff, across a chasm of air, to the sheer metallic side of the Sail Barge. Barely able to get a fingerhold, he begins a    painful climb up the hull, when suddenly an ax smashes through a     window an inch from his head. With Jedi agility, Luke grasps the wrist holding the ax and yanks the helpless guard through the broken window and into the deadly pit.

The injured Chewie is reaching over the rail for the dangling Han, who is in turn blindly reaching down toward the desperate Lando. The Baron has stopped his slippage down the sandy slope of    the Sarlacc pit by lying very still. Every time he tries to reach for Han, the loose sand moves him closer to his final reward.

HAN Grab it! Almost... You almost got it!

Another blast hits the front of the tilted skiff, causing Lando to let go of the spear.

LANDO Hold it! Whoa!

Again Han extends the spear toward Lando.

HAN Gently now. All... all right. Now easy, easy. Hold me, Chewie.

Lando screams. One of the Sarlacc's tentacles has wrapped tightly around his ankle, dragging him down the side of the pit.

HAN Chewie! Chewie, give me the gun. Don't move, Lando.

LANDO No, wait! I thought you were blind!

HAN It's all right. Trust me. Don't move.

LANDO All right! A little higher! Just a little higher!

Han adjusts his aim as Lando lowers his head, and the fuzzy-eyed pirate fires at the tentacle. Direct hit. The tentacle releases Lando, and Chewie starts to pull them on board the skiff.

HAN Chewie, Pull us up! Come on! Okay... up, Chewie, up!

38 EXT UPPER DECK 38

The deck gunners have Chewie and the desperate dangling human chain in their gun sights when something up on deck commands their attention: Luke, standing before them like a pirate king, ignites his lightsaber. The deck gunners have barely reached for their pistols before the young Jedi has demolished them. Immediately, Luke turns to see two more gunners (who have been    uncovering a giant gun at the end of the barge) racing for him, firing their laser pistols.

39 INT SAIL BARGE - OBSERVATION DECK 39

Leia is struggling against her chains in desperation as Artoo zips through the tumult of confused monsters to the rescue; the stubby little droid extends a small laser gun and blasts the chain apart.

LEIA Come on. We gotta get out of here quick.

Artoo and Leia race for the exit, passing Threepio, who is    kicking and screaming as Salacious Crumb, the reptilian monkey- monster picks out one of the golden droid's eyes.

THREEPIO Not my eyes! Artoo, help! Quickly, Artoo. Oh! Ohhh! You beast!

Artoo zips over and zaps Salacious, sending him skyward with a    scream, crashing into the rafters as Artoo, Leia, and Threepio (with his eye dangling from a wire) hurry off.

40 EXT UPPER DECK - SAIL BARGE 40

Luke is warding off laser blasts with his lightsaber, surrounded by guards and fighting like a demon. Leia emerges onto the deck as Luke turns to face another guard.

LUKE (to Leia) Get the gun! Point it at the deck!

Leia turns toward the barge cannon, climbs on the platform, and swivels the gun around.

LUKE Point it at the deck!

A laser blast hits Luke's mechanical hand and he bends over in    pain, but manages to swing his lightsaber upward and take out the last of the guards. He looks at the wounded hand, which reveals the mechanism. He flexes the hand; it still works.

Near the rail of the upper deck, Artoo and Threepio steady themselves as Threepio gets ready to jump. Artoo beeps wildly.

THREEPIO Artoo, where are we going? I couldn't              possibly jump.

Artoo butts the golden droid over the edge and steps off himself, tumbling toward the sand.

Luke runs along the empty deck toward Leia and the barge gun, which she has brought around to point down at the deck.

LUKE Come on!

Luke has hold on one of the rigging ropes from the mast. He    gathers Leia in his other arm and kicks the trigger of the deck gun. The gun explodes into the deck as Luke and Leia swing out toward the skiff.

41 EXT SKIFF 41

Han leans panting against the rail as Chewie helps Lando onto the deck. Luke and Leia land on the skiff with flair.

LUKE Let's go! And don't forget the droids.

LANDO We're on our way.

The Sail Barge is exploding in stages in the distance. Half of    the huge craft is on fire.

42 EXT SAND DUNE 42

Threepio's legs stick straight up from the dune where he landed. Next to it, Artoo's periscope is the only thing above the sand. The skiff floats above them and two large electromagnets dangle down on a wire. With a loud CLANG, both droids are pulled from the sand.

43 EXT DUNE SEA 43

The little skiff skips around the burning Sail Barge, which continues its chain of explosions. As the skiff sails off across the desert, the barge settles to the sand and disappears in one final conflagration.

44 EXT DUNE SEA - LANDING AREA 44

A ferocious sandstorm blocks our view. Then, through the ROAR, we    HEAR THE VOICES of our heroes. They emerge slowly from the veil of sand, pressing on against the wind. First come Artoo and Threepio, followed by Leia guiding Han, then Luke and Lando come into view, each supporting one side of the towering Chewbacca, who hobbles from his wound.

Soon, they can make out some large vague shapes in the blowing sand. It is the Millennium Falcon and, parked beside it, Luke's    trusty X-wing and a two-seated Y-wing. They must shout to be    heard.

HAN I don't know. All I can see is a lot of              blowing sand!

LEIA That's all any of us can see.

HAN (blinking) Then I guess I'm getting better.

As soon as the group huddles under the bulk of the Falcon, the wind dies down to something more describable as a severe weather condition. Threepio hits a switch, and the gang-plank lowers with a HUM.

HAN (turning to Luke) I've got to hand it to you, kid, you were pretty good out there.

LUKE (shrugging it off) I had a lot of help. Think nothing of it.

HAN No, I'm thinking a lot about it. That carbon freeze was the closest thing to dead there is. And it wasn't just sleepin'. It was a big wide awake nothing!

Luke nods, as Chewie growls affectionately at the young Jedi warrior, mussing his hair like a proud uncle. And Leia warmly hugs him.

LUKE (moving to his ship) I'll see you back at the fleet.

HAN Why don't you leave that crate and come with us?

LUKE I have a promise I have to keep first... to              an old friend.

Luke and Artoo take off in their spacecraft.

HAN (looking dubiously at Lando, obviously              remembering his friend's betrayal and               subsequent aide) Guess I owe you some thanks, too, Lando.

LANDO Figured if I left you frozen like that you'd              just give me bad luck the rest of my life, so               I might as well get you unfrozen sooner or               later.

LEIA He means "You're welcome."

LANDO Come on, let's get off this miserable dust ball.

44A EXT SPACE ABOVE TATOOINE 44A

The desolate yellow planet fills the screen, Luke's X-wing appears and peels off to the left. A moment later, the FALCON appears as a dot and grows huge, to roar directly over the CAMERA.

45 INT X-WING - COCKPIT 45

Luke is at the controls, with Artoo attached behind him outside the canopy. Luke speaks into his comlink to the others, in the MILLENNIUM FALCON.

LUKE I'll meet you back at the fleet.

LEIA (over comlink) Hurry. The Alliance should be assembled by              now.

LUKE I will.

HAN (over comlink) Hey, Luke, thanks. Thanks for comin' after me. Now I owe you one.

A message from Artoo appears on the small monitor screen in front of Luke. He smiles at the monitor and speaks to Artoo, as he    pulls a black glove on to cover his wounded mechanical hand.

LUKE That's right, Artoo. We're going to the Dagobah system. I have a    promise to keep... to an old friend.

46 EXT SPACE - DEATH STAR AND ENDOR 46

A Super Star Destroyer and several ships of the Imperial Fleet rest in space above the half-completed Death Star and its green neighbor, Endor. Four squads of TIE fighters escort an Imperial shuttle toward the Death Star.

47 INT DEATH STAR - CORRIDOR TO DOCKING BAY 47

Lord Vader strides down the hallway, accompanied by a very nervous Death Star commander.

48 INT DOCKING BAY - DEATH STAR 48

Thousands of Imperial troops in tight formation fill the mammoth docking bay. Vader and the officer walk to the landing platform, where the shuttle is coming to rest.

The shuttle's ramp lowers and the Emperor's Royal Guards come out and create a lethal perimeter. The assembled troops move to rigid attention with a momentous SNAP.

Then, in the huge SILENCE which follows, the EMPEROR appears. He    is a rather small, shriveled old man. His bent frame slowly makes its way down the ramp with the aid of a gnarled cane. He wears a    hooded cloak similar to the one Ben wears, except that it is     black. The Emperor's face is shrouded and difficult to see, except for his piercing yellow eyes. Commander Jerjerrod and Darth Vader kneel to him. The Supreme Ruler of the galaxy beckons to the Dark Lord.

EMPEROR (to Vader) Rise, my friend.

Vader rises and falls in next to the Emperor as he slowly makes his way along the rows of troops. Jerjerrod and the other commanders stay kneeling until the Supreme Ruler and Vader, followed by several Imperial dignitaries, pass by; only then do    they join in the procession.

VADER The Death Star will be completed on schedule.

EMPEROR You have done well, Lord Vader. And now I              sense you wish to continue your search for young Skywalker.

VADER Yes, my Master.

EMPEROR Patience, my friend. In time he will seek you out. And when he does, you must bring him before me. He has grown strong. Only together can we turn him to the dark side of the Force.

VADER As you wish.

EMPEROR Everything is proceeding as I have foreseen.

He laughs to himself as they pass along the vast line of Imperial troops.

49 EXT YODA'S HOUSE - DAGOBAH 49

Once again, Artoo finds himself waiting around in the damp environs of the swamp planet, and he's none too happy about it. He beeps disconsolately to himself and turns to look at Yoda's    cottage. Warm yellow light escapes the oddly shaped windows to    fight the gloom.

50 INT YODA'S HOUSE 50

The tip of a walking stick taps hesitantly across the earthen floor of the cottage. Our view travels up the stick to the small green hand that clutches it, and then to the familiar face of    YODA, THE JEDI MASTER. His manner is frail, and his voice, though cheerful, seems weaker.

YODA Hmm. That face you make. Look I so old to              young eyes?

Luke is sitting in a corner of the cramped space and, indeed, his look has been woeful. Caught, he tries to hide it.

LUKE No... of course not.

YODA (tickled, chuckles) I do, yes, I do! Sick have I become. Old and weak. (Points a crooked finger) When nine hundred years old you reach, look as good you will not. Hmm?

Yoda chuckles at this, coughs, and hobbles over toward his bed.

YODA Soon will I rest. Yes, forever sleep. Earned it, I have.

Yoda sits himself on his bed, with great effort.

LUKE Master Yoda, you can't die.

YODA Strong am I with the Force... but not that strong! Twilight is upon me and soon night must fall. That is the way of things ... the way of the Force.

LUKE But I need your help. I've come back to              complete the training.

YODA No more training do you require. Already know you that which you need.

Yoda sighs, and lies back on his bed.

LUKE Then I am a Jedi?

YODA (shakes his head) Ohhh. Not yet. One thing remains: Vader. You must confront Vader. Then, only then, a Jedi will you be. And confront him you will.

Luke is in agony. He is silent for a long moment, screwing up his courage. Finally he is able to ask.

LUKE Master Yoda... is Darth Vader my father?

Yoda's eyes are full of weariness and compassion. An odd, sad smile creases his face. He turns painfully on his side, away from Luke.

YODA Mmm... rest I need. Yes... rest.

Luke watches him, each moment an eternity.

LUKE Yoda, I must know.

YODA Your father he is.

Luke reacts as if cut.

YODA Told you, did he?

LUKE Yes.

A new look of concern crosses Yoda's face. He closes his eyes.

YODA Unexpected this is, and unfortunate...

LUKE Unfortunate that I know the truth?

Yoda opens his eyes again and studies the youth.

YODA (gathering all his strength) No. Unfortunate that you rushed to face him... that incomplete was your training. Not ready for the burden were you.

LUKE Well, I'm sorry.

YODA Remember, a Jedi's strength flows from the Force. But beware. Anger, fear, aggression. The dark side are they. Once you start down the dark path, forever will it dominate your destiny.

He beckons the young Jedi closer to him.

YODA Luke...Luke...Do not...Do not underestimate the powers of the Emperor, or suffer your father's fate, you will. Luke, when gone am I              (cough), the last of the Jedi will you be. Luke, the Force runs strong in your family. Pass on what you have learned, Luke... (with              great effort) There is...               another...Sky...Sky...walker.

He catches his breath. A shiver runs through the ancient green creature, and he dies. Luke stares at his dead master as he    disappears in front of his eyes.

51 EXT DAGOBAH SWAMP - X-WING 51

Luke wanders back to where his ship is sitting. Artoo beeps a    greeting, but is ignored by his depressed master. Luke kneels down, begins to help Artoo with the ship, then stops and shakes his head dejectedly.

LUKE I can't do it, Artoo. I can't go on alone.

BEN (OS) Yoda will always be with you.

Luke looks up to see the shimmering image of BEN KENOBI.

LUKE Obi-Wan! Why didn't you tell me?

The ghost of Ben Kenobi approaches him through the swamp.

LUKE You told me Vader betrayed and murdered my              father.

BEN You father was seduced by the dark side of              the Force. He ceased to be Anakin Skywalker and became Darth Vader. When that happened, the good man who was your father was destroyed. So what I have told you was true... from a certain point of view.

LUKE (turning away, derisive) A certain point of view!

BEN Luke, you're going to find that many of the truths we cling to depend greatly on our own point of view.

Luke is unresponsive. Ben studies him in silence for a moment.

BEN I don't blame you for being angry. If I was wrong in what I did, it certainly wouldn't              have been for the first time. You see, what happened to your father was my fault.

Ben pauses sadly.

BEN Anakin was a good friend.

Luke turns with interest at this. As Ben speaks, Luke settles on    a stump, mesmerized. Artoo comes over to offer his comforting presence.

BEN When I first knew him, your father was already a great pilot. But I was amazed how strongly the Force was with him. I took it              upon myself to train him as a Jedi. I              thought that I could instruct him just as               well as Yoda. I was wrong. My pride has had terrible consequences for the galaxy.

Luke is entranced.

LUKE There's still good in him.

BEN I also thought he could be turned back to the good side. It couldn't be done. He is more machine now than man. Twisted and evil.

LUKE I can't do it, Ben.

BEN You cannot escape your destiny.

LUKE I tried to stop him once. I couldn't do it.

BEN Vader humbled you when first you met him, Luke...but that experience was part of your training. It taught you, among other things, the value of patience. Had you not been so              impatient to defeat Vader then, you could have finished your training here with Yoda. You would have been prepared.

LUKE But I had to help my friends.

BEN (grinning at Luke's indignation) And did you help them? It was they who had to              save you. You achieved little by rushing back prematurely, I fear.

LUKE (with sadness) I found out Darth Vader was my father.

BEN To be a Jedi, Luke, you must confront and then go beyond the dark side - the side your father couldn't get past. Impatience is              the easiest door - for you, like your father. Only, your father was seduced by what he              found on the other side of the door, and you have held firm. You're no longer so reckless now, Luke. You are strong and patient. And now, you must face Darth Vader again!

LUKE I can't kill my own father.

BEN Then the Emperor has already won. You were our only hope.

LUKE Yoda spoke of another.

BEN The other he spoke of is your twin sister.

LUKE But I have no sister.

BEN Hmm. To protect you both from the Emperor, you were hidden from your father when you were born. The Emperor knew, as I did, if              Anakin were to have any offspring, they would be a threat to him. That is the reason why your sister remains safely anonymous.

LUKE Leia! Leia's my sister.

BEN Your insight serves you well. Bury your feelings deep down, Luke. They do you credit. But they could be made to serve the Emperor.

Luke looks into the distance, trying to comprehend all this.

BEN (continuing his narrative) When your father left, he didn't know your mother was pregnant. Your mother and I knew he would find out eventually, but we wanted to keep you both as safe as possible, for as              long as possible. So I took you to live with my brother Owen on Tatooine... and your mother took Leia to live as the daughter of Senator Organa, on Alderaan.

Luke turns, and settles near Ben to hear the tale.

BEN (attempting to give solace with his words) The Organa household was high-born and politically quite powerful in that system. Leia became a princess by virtue of              lineage... no one knew she'd been adopted, of              course. But it was a title without real power, since Alderaan had long been a              democracy. Even so, the family continued to              be politically powerful, and Leia, following in her foster father's path, became a senator as well. That's not all she became, of              course... she became the leader of her cell in the Alliance against the corrupt Empire. And because she had diplomatic immunity, she was a vital link for getting information to              the Rebel cause. That's what she was doing when her path crossed yours... for her foster parents had always told her to contact me on              Tatooine, if her troubles became desperate.

Luke is overwhelmed by the truth, and is suddenly protective of    his sister.

LUKE But you can't let her get involved now, Ben. Vader will destroy her.

BEN She hasn't been trained in the ways of the Jedi the way you have, Luke ... but the Force is strong with her, as it is with all of your family. There is no avoiding the battle. You must face and destroy Vader!

52 EXT SPACE - REBEL FLEET 52

The vast Rebel Fleet stretches as far as the eye can see. Overhead a dozen small Corellian battleships fly in formation. Fighters and battlecruisers surround the largest of the Rebel Star Cruisers, the HEADQUARTERS FRIGATE.

53 INT HEADQUARTERS FRIGATE - MAIN BRIEFING ROOM 53

Hundreds of Rebel commanders of all races and forms are assembled in the WAR ROOM. WEDGE is among them. In the center of the room is a holographic model depicting the half-completed Imperial Death Star, the nearby Moon of Endor, and the protecting deflector shield.

MON MOTHMA, the leader of the Alliance, enters the room. She is a    stern but beautiful woman in her fifties. Conferring with her are several military leaders, including GENERAL MADINE and ADMIRAL ACKBAR (a salmon-colored Mon Calamari). Lando moves through the crowd until he finds Han and Chewie, standing next to Leia and the two droids.

Han peers at Lando's new insignia on his chest, and is amused.

HAN Well, look at you, a general, huh?

LANDO Oh, well, someone must have told them about my little maneuver at the battle of Taanab.

HAN (sarcastic) Well, don't look at me, pal. I just said you were a fair pilot. I didn't know they were lookin' for somebody to lead this crazy attack.

LANDO (smiling) I'm surprised they didn't ask you to do it.

HAN Well, who says they didn't. But I               ain't crazy. You're the respectable one, remember?

Mon Mothma signals for attention, and the room falls silent.

MON MOTHMA The Emperor has made a critical error and the time for our attack has come.

This causes a stir. Mon Mothma turns to a holographic model of    the Death Star, the Endor moon and the protecting deflector shield in the center of the room.

MON MOTHMA The data brought to us by the Bothan spies pinpoints the exact location of the Emperor's              new battle station. We also know that the weapon systems of this Death Star are not yet operational. With the Imperial Fleet spread throughout the galaxy in a vain effort to              engage us, it is relatively unprotected. But most important of all, we've learned that the Emperor himself is personally overseeing the final stages of the construction of this Death Star.

A volley of spirited chatter erupts from the crowd. Han turns to    Leia as Chewie barks his amazement.

MON MOTHMA (cont) Many Bothans died to bring us this information. Admiral Ackbar, please.

Admiral Ackbar steps forward and points to the Death Star's force field and the Moon of Endor.

ACKBAR You can see here the Death Star orbiting the forest Moon of Endor. Although the weapon systems on this Death Star are not yet operational, the Death Star does have a              strong defense mechanism. It is protected by              an energy shield, which is generated from the nearby forest Moon of Endor. The shield must be deactivated if any attack is to be              attempted. Once the shield is down, our cruisers will create a perimeter, while the fighters fly into the superstructure and attempt to knock out the main reactor.

There's a concerned murmur.

ACKBAR (cont) General Calrissian has volunteered to lead the fighter attack

Han turns to Lando with a look of respect.

HAN Good luck.

Lando nods his thanks.

HAN You're gonna need it.

ACKBAR General Madine.

Madine moves center stage.

GENERAL MADINE We have stolen a small Imperial shuttle. Disguised as a cargo ship, and using a secret Imperial code, a strike team will land on the moon and deactivate the shield generator.

The assembly begins to mumble among themselves.

THREEPIO Sounds dangerous.

LEIA (to Han) I wonder who they found to pull that off.

GENERAL MADINE General Solo, is your strike team assembled?

Leia, startled, looks up at Han, surprise changing to admiration.

HAN Uh, my team's ready. I don't have a command crew for the shuttle.

Chewbacca raises his hairy paw and volunteers. Han looks up at    him.

HAN Well, it's gonna be rough, pal. I didn't want to speak for you.

Chewie waves that off with a huge GROWL.

HAN (smiles) That's one.

LEIA Uh, General... count me in.

VOICE (OS) I'm with you, too!

They turn in that direction and peer into the crowd as there are more cheers. The commanders part, and there at the back stands Luke. Han and Leia are surprised and delighted.

Leia moves to Luke and embraces him warmly. She senses a change in him and looks into his eyes questioningly.

LEIA What is it?

LUKE (hesitant) Ask me again sometime.

Han, Chewie, and Lando crowd around Luke as the assembly breaks up.

HAN Luke.

LUKE Hi, Han... Chewie.

Artoo beeps a singsong observation to a worried Threepio.

THREEPIO "Exciting" is hardly the word I would use.

54 INT HEADQUARTERS FRIGATE - MAIN DOCKING BAY 54

The Millennium Falcon rests beyond the stolen IMPERIAL SHUTTLE, which looks anomalous among all the Rebel ships in the vast docking bay. Chewie barks a final farewell to Lando and leads Artoo and Threepio up the shuttle, crowded now with the Rebel strike team loading weapons and supplies. Lando turns to face Han. Luke and Leia have said their good-byes and start up the ramp.

HAN Look. I want you to take her. I mean it. Take her. You need all the help you can get. She's              the fastest ship in the fleet.

LANDO All right, old buddy. You know, I know what she means to you. I'll take good care of her. She-she won't get a scratch. All right?

HAN (looks at him warmly) Right. I got your promise now. Not a scratch.

LANDO Look, would you get going, you pirate.

Han and Lando pause, then exchange salutes.

LANDO Good luck.

HAN You, too.

Han goes up the ramp. Lando watches him go and then slowly turns away.

55 INT IMPERIAL SHUTTLE - COCKPIT 55

Luke is working on a back control panel as Han comes in and takes the pilot's seat. Chewie, in the seat next to him, is trying to    figure out all the Imperial controls.

HAN You got her warmed?

LUKE Yeah, she's comin' up.

Chewie growls a complaint.

HAN No. I don't think the Empire had Wookiees in              mind when they designed her, Chewie.

Leia comes in from the hold and takes her seat near Luke.

Chewie barks and hits some switches. Han's glance has stuck on    something out the window: the Millennium Falcon. Leia nudges him gently.

LEIA Hey, are you awake?

HAN Yeah, I just got a funny feeling. Like I'm              not gonna see her again.

Chewie, hearing this, stops his activity and looks longingly out at the Falcon, too. Leia puts a hand on Han's shoulder.

LEIA (softly) Come on, General, let's move.

Han snaps back to life.

HAN Right. Chewie, let's see what this piece of              junk can do. Ready, everybody?

LUKE All set.

THREEPIO Here we go again.

HAN All right, hang on.

56 EXT SPACE - THE REBEL FLEET 56

The stolen Imperial shuttle leaves the main docking bay of the Headquarters Frigate, lowers its wings into flight position, and zooms off into space.

57 INT EMPEROR'S THRONE ROOM 57

The converted control room is dimly lit, except for a pool of    light at the far end. There the Emperor sits in an elaborate control chair before a large window which looks out across the half-completed Death Star to the giant green moon of Endor.

Darth Vader, standing with other members of the Imperial council, cautiously approaches his master. The ruler's back is to Vader. After several tense moments, the Emperor's chair rotates around to face him.

VADER What is thy bidding, my Master?

EMPEROR Send the fleet to the far side of Endor. There it will stay until called for.

VADER What of the reports of the Rebel fleet massing near Sullust?

EMPEROR It is of no concern. Soon the Rebellion will be crushed and young Skywalker will be one of              us! Your work here is finished, my friend. Go              out to the command ship and await my orders.

VADER Yes, my Master.

Vader bows, then turns and exits the throne room as the Emperor walks toward the waiting council members.

58 EXT SPACE - DEATH STAR - MOON 58

There is a great deal of Imperial traffic in the area as    construction proceeds on the Death Star. Transports, TIE fighters, and a few Star Destroyers move about. Now the huge Super Star Destroyer announces itself with a low roar and soon fills the frame.

59 INT STOLEN IMPERIAL SHUTTLE - COCKPIT 59

Han looks back at Luke and Leia as Chewie flips several switches. Through the viewscreen, the Death Star and the huge Super Star Destroyer can be seen.

HAN If they don't go for this, we're gonna have to get outta here pretty quick, Chewie.

Chewie growls his agreement.

CONTROLLER (over radio) We have you on our screen now. Please identify.

HAN Shuttle Tydirium requesting deactivation of              the deflector shield.

CONTROLLER (over radio) Shuttle Tydirium, transmit the clearance code for shield passage.

HAN Transmission commencing.

Leia and Chewbacca listen tensely as the sound of a high speed transmission begins.

LEIA Now we find out if that code is worth the price we paid.

HAN It'll work. It'll work.

Chewie whines nervously. Luke stares at the Huge Super Star Destroyer that looms ever larger before them.

LUKE Vader's on that ship.

HAN Now don't get jittery, Luke. There are a lot of command ships. Keep your distance though, Chewie, but don't look like you're trying to              keep your distance.

Chewie barks a question.

HAN I don't know. Fly casual.

LUKE I'm endangering the mission. I shouldn't have come.

HAN It's your imagination, kid. Come on. Let's              keep a little optimism here.

Chewie barks his worries as the Super Star Destroyer grows larger out the window.

60 INT VADER'S STAR DESTROYER - BRIDGE 60

Lord Vader stands, back to us, staring out a window at the Death Star. Now, some vibration felt only by him causes him to turn. After a moment of stillness, he walks down the row of controllers to where ADMIRAL PIETT is leaning over the tracking screen of the controller we've seen earlier. Piett straightens at Vader's    approach.

VADER Where is that shuttle going?

PIETT (into comlink) Shuttle Tydirium, what is your cargo and destination?

PILOT VOICE (HAN)(filtered) Parts and technical crew for the forest moon.

The Bridge Commander looks to Vader for a reaction.

VADER Do they have a code clearance?

PIETT It's an older code, sir, but it checks out. I              was about to clear them.

Vader looks upward, as he senses Luke's presence.

PIETT Shall I hold them?

VADER No. Leave them to me. I will deal with them myself.

PIETT (surprised) As you wish, my lord. (to controller) Carry on.

Piett nods at controller, who switches on his comlink.

61 INT STOLEN IMPERIAL SHUTTLE - COCKPIT 61

The group waits tensely.

HAN They're not goin' for it, Chewie.

CONTROLLER (filtered) Shuttle Tydirium, deactivation of the shield will commence immediately. Follow your present course.

Everyone breaths a sigh of relief. Everyone but Luke, who looks worried. Chewie barks.

HAN Okay! I told you it was gonna work. No              problem.

62 EXT SPACE - STOLEN IMPERIAL SHUTTLE - ENDOR 62

The stolen Imperial shuttle moves off toward the green Sanctuary Moon.

63 EXT FOREST LANDING SITE - ENDOR 63

The stolen Imperial shuttle sits in a clearing of the moon's    dark, primeval forest, dwarfed by the ancient towering trees.

On an adjacent hill, the helmeted Rebel contingent makes its way up a steep trail. Leia and Han are slightly ahead of Chewie and Luke. The troops of the strike-team squad follow, with Artoo and Threepio bringing up the rear. Artoo beeps.

Up ahead, Chewie and Leia reach a crest in the hill and drop suddenly to the ground, signaling the rest of the group to stop. Han and Luke crawl up to take a look.

THREEPIO Oh, I told you it was dangerous here.

THEIR POV. Not far below them, two IMPERIAL SCOUTS are wandering through bushes in the valley below. Their two ROCKET BIKES are parked nearby.

LEIA Shall we try and go around?

HAN It'll take time. This whole party'll be for nothing if they see us.

Leia motions for the squad to stay put, then she, Han, Luke and Chewie start quietly down.

64 EXT FOREST CLEARING - CAMPSITE 64

The four friends make their way to the edge of the clearing not far from the two Imperial scouts.

HAN Chewie and I will take care of this. You stay here.

LUKE Quietly, there might be more of them out there.

HAN (grins) Hey... it's me.

Han and Chewie turn and start through the bushes toward the scouts. Luke and Leia exchange smiles.

Han sneaks up behind one of the scouts, steps on a twig and the scout whirls, knocking Han into a tree. The scout shouts for his companion.

SCOUT #1 Go for help! Go!

The second scout jumps on his speeder bike and takes off, but Chewie gets off a shot on his crossbow laser weapon, causing the scout to crash into a tree. Han and Scout #1 are in a rousing fistfight.

LUKE (sarcastic) Great. Come on.

Luke starts for the scuffle, followed by Leia with her laser pistol drawn. As they run through the bushes, Leia stops and points to where two more scouts are sitting on their speeder bikes, with an unoccupied bike parked nearby.

LEIA Over there! Two more of them!

LUKE I see them. Wait, Leia!

But Leia doesn't hear him and races for the remaining speeder bike. She starts it up and takes off as Luke jumps on the bike behind her.

LUKE (pointing to the controls) Quick! Jam their comlink. Center switch!

Luke and Leia speed into the dense foliage in hot pursuit, barely avoiding two huge trees.

HAN Hey, wait! Ahhh!

He flips the remaining scout to the ground.

65 EXT FOREST - THE BIKE CHASE 65

The two fleeing Imperial scouts have a good lead as Luke and Leia pursue through the giant trees at 200 miles an hour, the fire from their bike's laser cannon hitting harmlessly near the moving targets.

LUKE Move closer!

Leia guns it, closing the gap, as the two scouts recklessly veer through a narrow gap in the trees. One of the bikes SCRAPES a    tree, slowing the scout.

LUKE Get alongside that one!

Leia pulls her speeder bike up so close to the scout's bike that their steering vanes SCRAPE noisily. Luke leaps from his bike to    the back of the scout's, grabs the Imperial warrior around the neck, and flips him off the bike, into a thick tree trunk. Luke gains control of the bike and follows Leia, who has pulled ahead. They tear off after the remaining scout.

LUKE Get him!

The speeding chase passes TWO MORE IMPERIAL SCOUTS. These two swing into pursuit, chasing Luke and Leia, firing away with their laser cannon. The two Rebels look behind them just as Luke's bike takes a glancing hit.

LUKE (indicating the one ahead) Keep on that one! I'll take these two!

With Leia shooting ahead, Luke suddenly slams his steering vanes into the braking mode. Luke's bike is a blur to the two pursuing scouts as they zip by him on either side. Luke slams his bike into forward and starts firing away, having switched places with his pursuers in a manner of seconds. Luke's aim is good and one scout's bike is blasted out of control. It explodes against a    tree trunk.

The scout's cohort takes one glance back at the flash and shifts into turbo drive, going even faster. Luke keeps on his tail.

FAR AHEAD, Leia and the first scout are doing a highspeed slalom through the death-dealing trunks. Now Leia aims her bike skyward and rises out of sight.

The scout turns in confusion, unable to see his pursuer. Suddenly, Leia dives down upon him from above, cannon blasting. The scout's bike takes a glancing hit.

Leia moves in alongside him. The scout eyes her beside him, reaches down, and pulls out a handgun. Before Leia can react, the scout has blasted her bike, sending it out of control. Leia dives off as her bike explodes against a tree. The happy scout looks back at the explosion. But when he turns forward again, he is on    a collision course with a giant fallen tree. He hits his brakes to no avail and disappears in a conflagration.

ANOTHER PART OF THE FOREST: Luke and the last remaining scout continue their weaving chase through the trees. Now Luke moves up    close. The scout responds by slamming his bike into Luke's. A    fallen tree forms a bridge across their path. The scout zips under. Luke goes over the top and crashes his bike down on the scout's. Both riders look ahead - a wide trunk looms directly in    Luke's path, but the scout's bike beside him makes it almost impossible for him to avoid it. Luke banks with all his might, leaning almost horizontal over the scout's bike, and is able to    make it by, just clipping the tree. When he straightens, he and the scout discover that their two bikes have locked front vanes and are moving as one.

Another big tree looms in Luke's path. He reacts instinctively and dives off his bike. The two bikes come apart a second before Luke's explodes against a tree. The scout sweeps out and circles back to find Luke.

Luke rises from the undergrowth as the scout bears down on him and opens fire with his laser cannon. Luke ignites his laser sword and begins deflecting the bolts. The scout's bike keeps coming and it appears that in a second it will cut Luke in half. At the last instant, Luke steps aside and chops off the bike's    control vanes with one mighty slash. The scout's bike begins to    shudder, then, pitching and rolling, it rises up to slam directly into a tree in a giant ball of fire.

66 EXT SCOUT CAMPSITE - FOREST 66

Han, Chewie, and the droids, along with the rest of the squad, wait anxiously in the clearing. Artoo's radar screen sticks out of his domed head and revolves, scanning the forest. He beeps.

THREEPIO Oh, General Solo, somebody's coming. Oh!

Han, Chewie, and the rest of the squad raise their weapons.

Luke steps out of the foliage to find the weapons trained on him. He's too tired to care. He plops himself down on a boulder and looks around.

HAN Luke! Where's Leia?

LUKE (concerned) What? She didn't come back?

HAN I thought she was with you.

LUKE We got separated.

Luke and Han exchange a silent, grim look. Luke gets up wearily.

LUKE Hey, we better go look for her.

Han nods, and signals to a Rebel officer.

HAN Take the squad ahead. We'll meet at the shield generator at 0300.

LUKE Come on, Artoo. We'll need your scanners.

Luke, Chewie, Han, and the droids move off in one direction as    the squad proceeds in another.

THREEPIO Don't worry, Master Luke. We know what to              do.

They move off into the woods.

THREEPIO (to Artoo) And you said it was pretty here. Ugh!

67 EXT FOREST CLEARING - LEIA'S CRASH SITE 67

A strange little furry face with huge black eyes comes slowly into view. The creature is an EWOK, by the name of WICKET. He    seems somewhat puzzled, and prods Leia with a spear. The princess groans; this frightens the stubby ball of fuzz and he prods her again. Leia sits up and stares at the three-foot-high Ewok. She tries to figure out where she is and what has happened. Her clothes are torn; she's bruised and disheveled.

The Ewok jumps up and grabs a four-foot-long spear, which he    holds in a defensive position. Leia watches him as he circles warily and begins poking her with the sharp point of the spear.

LEIA Cut it out!

She stands up, and the Ewok quickly backs away.

LEIA I'm not gonna hurt you.

Leia looks around at the dense forest, and at the charred remains of her speeder bike, then sits down, with a sigh, on a fallen log.

LEIA Well, looks like I'm stuck here. Trouble is, I don't know where here is.

She puts her head in her hands to rub away some of the soreness from her fall. She looks over at the watchful little Ewok and pats the log beside her.

LEIA Well, maybe you can help me. Come on, sit down.

Wicket holds his spear up warily and growls at her like a puppy. Leia pats the log again.

LEIA I promise I won't hurt you. Now come here.

More growls and squeaks from the little bear creature.

LEIA All right. You want something to eat?

She takes a scrap of food out of her pocket and offers it to him. Wicket takes a step backward, then cocks his head and moves cautiously toward Leia, chattering in his squeaky Ewok language.

LEIA That's right. Come on. Hmmm?

Sniffing the food curiously, the Ewok comes toward Leia and sits on the log beside her. She takes off her helmet, and the little creature jumps back, startled again. He runs along the log, pointing his spear at her and chattering a blue streak. Leia holds out the helmet to him.

LEIA Look, it's a hat. It's not gonna hurt you. Look. You're a jittery little thing, aren't              you?

Reassured, Wicket lowers his spear and climbs back on the log, coming to investigate the helmet. Suddenly his ears perk up and he begins to sniff the air. He looks around warily, whispering some Ewokese warning to Leia.

LEIA What is it?

Suddenly a laser bolt comes out of the foliage and explodes on    the log next to Leia. Leia and Wicket both roll backwards off the log, hiding behind it. Leia holds her own laser gun ready, while Wicket disappears underneath the log. Another shot, and still no    sight of anyone in the forest. Then Leia senses something and turns to find a large IMPERIAL SCOUT standing over her with his weapon pointed at her head. He reaches out his hand for her weapon.

SCOUT #l Freeze! Come on, get up!

She hands the weapon over, as a second scout emerges from the foliage in front of the log.

SCOUT #1 Go get your ride and take her back to base.

SCOUT #2 Yes, sir.

The second scout starts toward his bike, as Wicket, crouched under the log, extends his spear and hits the first scout on the leg. The scout jumps and lets out an exclamation, and looks down at Wicket, puzzled. Leia grabs a branch and knocks him out. She dives for his laser pistol, and the second scout, now on his bike, takes off. Leia fires away and hits the escaping bike, causing it to crash into the first scout's bike, which flies end over end and explodes. The forest is quiet once more. Wicket pokes his fuzzy head up from behind the log and regards Leia with new respect. He mumbles his awe. Leia hurries over, looking around all the time, and motions the chubby little creature into the dense foliage.

LEIA Come on, let's get outta here.

As they move into the foliage, Wicket takes the lead. He shrieks and tugs at Leia to follow him.

68 INT DEATH STAR - CORRIDOR TO EMPEROR'S TOWER 68

Darth Vader walks down the corridor to the Emperor's Tower and private elevator. The Emperor's private guard steps in Vader's    path.

GUARD Halt! The Emperor does not wish to be              disturbed at the moment.

VADER (raising his gloved hand to the two guards              and choking them with the Force) The Emperor will see me, now!

GUARD (repeating Vader's command) The Emperor will see you, now.

69 INT EMPEROR'S TOWER - THRONE ROOM 69

Two red Imperial Guards stand watch at the elevator as the door opens to reveal Vader. Vader enters the eerie, foreboding throne room. It appears to be empty. His footsteps echo as he approaches the throne. He waits, absolutely still. The Emperor sits with his back to the Dark Lord.

EMPEROR I told you to remain on the command ship.

VADER A small Rebel force has penetrated the shield and landed on Endor.

EMPEROR (no surprise) Yes, I know.

VADER (after a beat) My son is with them.

EMPEROR (very cool) Are you sure?

VADER I have felt him, my Master.

EMPEROR Strange, that I have not. I wonder if your feelings on this matter are clear, Lord Vader.

Vader knows what is being asked.

VADER They are clear, my Master.

EMPEROR Then you must go to the Sanctuary Moon and wait for them.

VADER (skeptical) He will come to me?

EMPEROR I have foreseen it. His compassion for you will be his undoing. He will come to you and then you will bring him before me.

VADER (bows) As you wish.

The Dark Lord strides out of the throne room.

70 EXT FOREST CLEARING - LEIA'S CRASH SITE 70

Han, Luke, Chewie, and the two droids are spread out as they move through the heavy foliage near the clearing where we last saw Leia. Luke finds Leia's helmet, picks it up with an expression of    concern.

HAN (OS) Luke! Luke!

Luke runs with the helmet to where Han has found the charred wreckage of a speeder bike in the grass.

THREEPIO Oh, Master Luke.

LUKE There's two more wrecked speeders back there. And I found this.

He tosses the helmet to Han.

THREEPIO I'm afraid that Artoo's sensors can find no              trace of Princess Leia.

HAN (gravely) I hope she's alright.

Chewbacca growls, sniffing the air, then, with a bark, pushes off through the foliage.

HAN What, Chewie? What? Chewie!

The others rush to keep up with the giant Wookiee. As he scoots along, Artoo whistles nervously.

71 EXT FOREST - DENSE FOLIAGE 71

The group has reached a break in the undergrowth. Chewie walks up    to a tall stake planted in the ground. There is a dead animal hanging from it.

HAN Hey, I don't get it.

The rest of the group joins the Wookiee around the stake.

HAN (cont) Nah, it's just a dead animal, Chewie.

Chewie can't resist. He reaches toward the meat.

LUKE Chewie, wa-wait! Don't!

Too late. The Wookiee has already pulled the animal from the stake. SPROOING! The group finds itself hanging upside down in an    Ewok net, suspended high above the clearing. Artoo lets out a    wild series of beeps and whistles, and Chewie howls his regret. Their bodies are a jumble in the net. Han removes a Wookiee paw from his mouth.

HAN Nice work. Great, Chewie! Great! Always thinking with your stomach.

LUKE Will you take it easy? Let's just figure out a way to get out of this thing. (trying to              free an arm) Han, can you reach my               lightsaber?

HAN Yeah, sure.

Artoo is at the bottommost point in the net. He extends his cutting appendage and begins slicing at the net. Han is trying to    squeeze an arm past Threepio to get at Luke's lightsaber. The net continues to spin.

THREEPIO Artoo, I'm not sure that's such a good idea. It's a very long dro-o-op!!

Artoo has cut through and the entire group tumbles out of the net, crashing to the ground. As they regain their senses and sit up, they realize they are surrounded by dozens of Ewoks, each brandishing a long spear.

HAN Wha--? Hey! Point that thing someplace else.

Han pushes the spear wielded by TEEBO out of his face and a    second Ewok warrior comes up to argue with Teebo. The spear returns to Han's face. He grabs it angrily and starts to go for his laser pistol.

HAN Hey!

LUKE Han, don't. It'll be all right.

The Ewoks swarm through them and confiscate their weapons. Luke lets them take his lightsaber. Chewie growls at the furry critters.

LUKE Chewie, give 'em your crossbow.

Artoo and Threepio are just untangling themselves. Threepio gets free of the net and sits up, rattled.

THREEPIO Oh, my head. Oh, my goodness!

When the Ewoks see Threepio, they let out a gasp and chatter among themselves. Threepio speaks to them in their native tongue. The Ewok nearest him drops his spear and prostrates himself before the droid. In a moment, all the Ewoks have followed suit. Chewie lets out a puzzled bark. Han and Luke regard the bowed creatures in wonder. The Ewoks begin to chant at Threepio.

LUKE Do you understand anything they're saying?

THREEPIO Oh, yes, Master Luke! Remember that I am              fluent in over six million forms of               communication.

HAN What are you telling them?

THREEPIO Hello, I think... I could be mistaken. They're using a very primitive dialect. But I do believe they think I am some sort of god.

Chewbacca and Artoo think that's very funny. Han and Luke exchange "what next?" looks.

HAN Well, why don't you use your divine influence and get us out of this?

THREEPIO I beg your pardon, General Solo, but that just wouldn't be proper.

HAN Proper?!

THREEPIO It's against my programming to impersonate a              deity.

Han moves toward Threepio threateningly.

HAN Why, you--

Several Ewoks' spears are thrust in Han's face at the affront to    their god. The Ewoks move in to protect their god and Han is    surrounded by a menacing circle of spears, all aimed at him. He    holds up his hands placatingly.

HAN My mistake. He's an old friend of mine.

72 EXT FOREST - SERIES OF SHOTS 72

A procession of Ewoks winds through the ever-darkening forest. Their prisoners - Han, Luke, Chewie, and Artoo - are tied to long poles and wrapped in vines, cocoonlike.

Each pole is carried on the shoulders of several Ewoks. Behind the captives, Threepio is carried on a litter, like a king, by    the remaining creatures.

73 EXT FOREST WALKWAY - MOON FOREST 73

The procession moves along a shaky, narrow, wooden walkway, high in the giant trees. It stops at the end of the walkway, which drops off into nothingness. On the other side of the abyss is a    village of mud huts and rickety walkways, attached to the giant trees. The lead Ewok takes hold of a long vine and swings across to the village square; the other Ewoks follow suit.

74 EXT EWOK VILLAGE SQUARE 74

The procession winds its way into the village square. Mother Ewoks gather their babies up and scurry into their huts at the sight of the newcomers. The group stops before the largest hut.

Han, Luke, Chewie, and Artoo are still bound to their poles. Han is placed on a spit above what looks like a barbecue pit and the others are leaned against a tree nearby. Threepio's litter/throne is gently placed near the pit. He watches with rapt fascination. Han, Luke, and Chewie are less than fascinated.

HAN I have a really bad feeling about this.

Chewie growls his concern.

Suddenly all activity stops as LOGRAY, the tribal Medicine Man, comes out of the big hut. He examines the captives carefully, goes to join Threepio, whose throne has been placed on an    elevated platform. A larger, gray-haired Ewok, CHIEF CHIRPA, is    examining Luke's lightsaber with great curiosity.

Logray speaks to Threepio and the assemblage of fuzzy Ewoks, pointing to the prisoners tied to the stakes. The Ewoks begin filling the pit under Han with firewood.

HAN What did he say?

THREEPIO I'm rather embarrassed, General Solo, but it              appears you are to be the main course at a               banquet in my honor.

The drums start beating, and all the furry heads turn to the large hut. Leia emerges, wearing an animal-skin dress. She sees what's happening at the same moment the prisoners see her.

HAN and LUKE Leia!

As she moves toward them, the Ewoks block her way with raised spears.

LEIA Oh!

THREEPIO Your Royal Highness.

Artoo and Chewie chime in with their welcome. Leia looks at the assembled Ewoks and sighs.

LEIA But these are my friends. Threepio, tell them they must be set free.

Threepio talks to Chirpa and Logray, who listen and shake their heads negatively. The Medicine Man gestures toward the prisoners and barks some orders. Several Ewoks jump up and pile more wood on the barbecue with vigor. Leia trades frantic looks with Luke and Han.

HAN Somehow, I got the feeling that didn't help us very much.

LUKE Threepio, tell them if they don't do as you wish, you'll become angry and use your magic.

THREEPIO But Master Luke, what magic? couldn't              possibly --

LUKE Just tell them.

Threepio speaks to the Ewoks. The Ewoks are disturbed. Logray steps forward and challenges Threepio. Luke closes his eyes and begins to concentrate.

THREEPIO You see, Master Luke; they didn't believe me. Just...

Now the litter/throne, with Threepio sitting upon it, rises from the ground. At first Threepio doesn't notice and keeps talking.

THREEPIO ... as I said they wouldn't. Wha-wha-what's              happening! Oh! Oh, dear! Oh!

The Ewoks fall back in terror from the floating throne. Now Threepio begins to spin as though he were on a revolving stool, with Threepio calling out in total panic at his situation.

THREEPIO Put me down! He-e-elp! Master Luke! Artoo! Somebody, somebody, help! Master Luke, Artoo! Artoo, quickly! Do something, somebody! Oh! Ohhh!

Chief Chirpa yells orders to the cowering Ewoks. They rush up and release the bound prisoners. Luke and Han enfold Leia in a group embrace. Luke notices the spinning Threepio, with Artoo beeping up at him, and slowly lowers the golden droid and the throne to    the ground. Logray orders the little droid cut down. Artoo crashes to the ground. When the Ewoks set him upright, the little droid is fighting mad. Artoo beeps a blue streak at the nearest Ewok, and begins pursuing him, finally getting close enough to    zap him with an electric charge. The Ewok jumps two feet in the air and runs away, screaming. A small group of Ewoks surround the giant Wookiee, scratching their heads and marveling at his height.

THREEPIO Oh, oh, oh, oh! Thank goodness.

LUKE Thanks, Threepio.

THREEPIO (still shaken) I...I never knew I had it in me.

75 INT CHIEF'S HUT - COUNCIL OF ELDERS 75

A glowing fire dances in the center of the spartan, low-ceilinged room, creating a kaleidoscope of shadows on the walls. Along one side, a group of ten Ewok elders flank Chief Chirpa, who sits on    his throne. The Rebels sit along the walls of the hut, with Threepio between the two groups and Wicket and Teebo off to one side.

Threepio is in the midst of a long, animated speech in the Ewok's    squeaky native tongue. The Ewoks listen carefully and occasionally murmur comments to each other. Threepio points several times at the Rebel group and pantomimes a short history of the Galactic Civil War, mimicking the explosion and rocket sounds, imitating Imperial walkers. Throughout the long account, certain familiar names are distinguishable in English: Princess Leia, Artoo, Darth Vader, Death Star, Jedi, Obi-Wan Kenobi. Artoo begins beeping excitedly at Threepio.

THREEPIO Yes, Artoo. I was just coming to that.

Threepio continues with: Millennium Falcon, Cloud City, Vader, Han Solo, carbonite, Sarlacc, bringing the history up to the present time.

At the end of it, the Chief, Logray, and the elders confer, then nod in agreement. The Chief stands and makes a pronouncement.

The drums begin to sound, and all the Ewoks stand with a great cheer and screeches.

HAN What's going on?

LEIA I don't know.

Luke has been sharing the joy with smiling visage, but now something passes like a dark cloud through his consciousness. The others do not notice.

THREEPIO Wonderful! We are now a part of the tribe.

Several of the little teddy bears run up and hug the Rebels.

HAN Just what I always wanted.

Chewbacca is being enthusiastically embraced by an Ewok, while Wicket clings to Han's leg.

HAN (chuckles) Well, short help is better than no help at              all, Chewie. (to Wicket) Thank you. Okay.

THREEPIO He says the scouts are going to show us the quickest way to the shield generator.

Chewie barks. Luke has drifted to the back of the hut. Now he    wanders outside into the moonlight. Leia notices and follows.

HAN Good. How far is it? Ask him. We need some fresh supplies, too. And try and get our weapons back.

Han pulls Threepio back as he keeps trying to translate.

HAN (cont) And hurry up, will ya? I haven't got all day.

76 EXT EWOK VILLAGE - NIGHT 76

The walkway is deserted now. The windows of the little huts glow and flicker from the fires inside. The sounds of the forest fill the soft night air. Luke has wandered away from the Chief's hut and stands staring up at the Death Star. Leia finds him like that.

LUKE Luke, what's wrong?

Luke turns and looks at her a long moment.

LUKE Leia... do you remember your mother? Your real mother?

LEIA Just a little bit. She died when I was very young.

LUKE What do you remember?

LEIA Just...images, really. Feelings.

LUKE Tell me.

LEIA (a little surprised at his insistence) She was very beautiful. Kind, but...sad. (looks up) Why are you asking me all this?

He looks away.

LUKE I have no memory of my mother. I never knew her.

LEIA Luke, tell me. What's troubling you?

LUKE Vader is here...now, on this moon.

LEIA (alarmed) How do you know?

LUKE I felt his presence. He's come for me. He can feel when I'm near. That's why I have to go. (facing her) As long as I stay, I'm              endangering the group and our mission here. (beat) I have to face him.

Leia is distraught, confused.

LEIA Why?

Luke moves close and his manner is gentle. And very calm.

LUKE He's my father.

LEIA Your father?

LUKE There's more. It won't be easy for you to              hear it, but you must. If I don't make it              back, you're the only hope for the Alliance.

Leia is very disturbed by this. She moves away, as if to deny it.

LEIA Luke, don't talk that way. You have a power I--I don't understand and could never have.

LUKE You're wrong, Leia. You have that power too. In time you'll learn to use it as I have. The Force is strong in my family. My father has it...I have it...and...my sister has it.

Leia stares into his eyes. What she sees there frightens her. But she doesn't draw away. She begins to understand.

LUKE Yes. It's you Leia.

LEIA I know. Somehow...I've always known.

LUKE Then you know why I have to face him.

LEIA No! Luke, run away, far away. If he can feel your presence, then leave this place. I wish I could go with you.

LUKE No, you don't. You've always been strong.

LEIA But, why must you confront him?

LUKE Because...there is good in him. I've felt it. He won't turn me over to the Emperor. I              can save him. I can turn him back to the good side. I have to try.

They hold each other close and look at each other, brother and sister.

Leia holds back her tears as Luke slowly lets her go and moves away. He disappears onto the walkway that leads out of the village. Leia, bathed in moonlight, watches him go as Han comes out of the Chief's hut and comes over to her.

Leia is crying, her body trembling. He realizes only now that she is crying.

HAN Hey, what's goin' on?

Leia attempts to stifle her sobs and wipes her eyes.

LEIA Nothing. I - just want to be alone for a              little while.

HAN (angry) Nothing? Come on, tell me. What's goin' on?

She looks up at him, struggling to control herself.

LEIA I...I can't tell you.

HAN (loses his temper) Did you tell Luke? Is that who you could tell?

LEIA I...

HAN Ahhh...

He starts to walk away, exasperated, then stops and walks back to    her.

HAN I'm sorry.

LEIA Hold me.

Han gathers her tightly in his protective embrace.

77 EXT FOREST - IMPERIAL LANDING PLATFORM 77

An Imperial shuttle floats down from the Death Star and lands gracefully on the huge platform.

Now, an Imperial walker approaches the platform from the darkness of the forest. The whole outpost - platform, walkers, military - looks particularly offensive in the midst of this verdant beauty.

78 EXT IMPERIAL LANDING PLATFORM - LOWER DECK 78

Darth Vader walks down the ramp of the shuttle onto the platform, into an elevator, and appears on a ramp on a lower level. He    walks toward another ramp exit and is met by two troopers and a     commander with Luke, in binders, at their center. The young Jedi gazes at Vader with complete calm.

COMMANDER This is a Rebel that surrendered to us. Although he denies it, I believe there may be              more of them, and I request permission to               conduct a further search of the area.

The commander extends his hand, revealing Luke's lightsaber.

COMMANDER He was armed only with this.

Vader looks at Luke, turns away and faces the commander, taking the lightsaber from the commander's hand.

VADER Good work, Commander. Leave us. Conduct your search and bring his companions to me.

COMMANDER Yes, my Lord.

The officer and troops withdraw. Vader and Luke are left standing alone in the oddly tranquil beauty of the place. The sounds of    the forest filter in upon them.

VADER The Emperor has been expecting you.

LUKE I know, father.

VADER So, you have accepted the truth.

LURE I've accepted the truth that you were once Anakin Skywalker, my father.

VADER (turning to face him) That name no longer has any meaning for me.

LUKE It is the name of your true self. You've only forgotten. I know there is good in you. The Emperor hasn't driven it from you fully. That is why you couldn't destroy me. That's why you won't bring me to your Emperor now.

Vader looks down from Luke to the lightsaber in his own black- gloved hand. He seems to ponder Luke's words.

VADER (indicating lightsaber) I see you have constructed a new lightsaber.

Vader ignites the lightsaber and holds it to examine its humming, brilliant blade.

VADER Your skills are complete. Indeed, you are powerful, as the Emperor has foreseen.

They stand for a moment, the Vader extinguishes the lightsaber.

LUKE Come with me.

VADER Obi-Wan once thought as you do.

Luke steps close to Vader, then stops. Vader is still.

VADER You don't know the power of the dark side. I              must obey my master.

LUKE I will not turn...and you'll be forced to              kill me.

VADER If that is your destiny.

LUKE Search your feelings, father. You can't do              this. I feel the conflict within you. Let go              of your hate.

VADER It is too late for me, son. The Emperor will show you the true nature of the Force. He is              your master now.

Vader signals to some distant stormtroopers. He and Luke stand staring at one another for a long moment.

LUKE Then my father is truly dead.

79 EXT ENDOR - RIDGE OVERLOOKING SHIELD GENERATOR 79

Han, Leia, Chewbacca, the droids, Wicket, and another Ewok scout, PAPLOO, hide on a ridge overlooking the massive Imperial shield generator. At the base of the generator is an Imperial landing platform. Leia studies the installation.

LEIA The main entrance to the control bunker's on              the far side of that landing platform. This isn't gonna be easy.

HAN Hey, don't worry. Chewie and me got into a              lot of places more heavily guarded than this.

Wicket and Paploo are chattering away in Ewok language. They speak to Threepio.

LEIA What's he saying?

THREEPIO He says there's a secret entrance on the other side of the ridge.

80 EXT SPACE - REBEL FLEET 80

The vast fleet hangs in space near a blue planet. A giant Rebel Star Cruiser is up at the front, but now the Millennium Flacon roars up to a spot ahead of it, tiny in comparison.

81 INT MILLENNIUM FALCON - COCKPIT 81

Lando is in the pilot seat. His alien copilot, NIEN NUNB, takes some getting used to in the familiar environs of the Falcon's    cockpit. Lando speaks into his comlink.

LANDO Admiral, we're in position. All fighters accounted for.

ACKBAR (VO) Proceed with the countdown. All groups assume attack coordinates.

Lando turns to his weird copilot.

LANDO Don't worry, my friends are down there. They'll have that shield down on time...(to              himself) or this'll be the shortest offensive of all time.

The copilot flips some switches and grunts an alien comment.

ACKBAR (VO) All craft, prepare to jump to hyperspace on              my mark.

LANDO All right. Stand by.

He pulls a lever, and the stars outside begin to streak.

82 EXT SPACE - REBEL FLEET 82

We are treated to an awesome sight: first the Millennium Falcon, then Ackbar's Star Cruiser, then, in large segments, the huge fleet ROARS INTO HYPERSPACE. And disappears.

83 EXT ENDOR - RIDGE OVERLOOKING CONTROL BUNKER 83

Han, Leia, Chewie, the droids, and their two Ewok guides, Wicket and Paploo, have reunited with the Rebel strike squad. The entire group is spread through the thick undergrowth. Below them is the BUNKER that leads into the generator. Four Imperial scouts, their speeder bikes parked nearby, keep watch over the bunker entrance. Chewie growls an observation, and Paploo chatters away to Han in    Ewok language.

HAN Back door, huh? Good idea.

Wicket and Paploo continue their Ewok conversation.

HAN (cont) It's only a few guards. This shouldn't be too much trouble.

LEIA Well, it only takes one to sound the alarm.

HAN (with self-confident grin) Then we'll do it real quiet-like.

Threepio explains what is going on to Wicket and Paploo. The Ewoks chatter a moment between themselves. Then Paploo jumps up    and scampers into the underbrush.

Threepio asks Wicket where Paploo went and is given a short reply.

THREEPIO Oh! Oh, my. Uh, Princess Leia!

LEIA Quiet.

THREEPIO I'm afraid our furry companion has gone and done something rather rash.

LEIA Oh, no.

84 EXT BUNKER - ENTRANCE 84

Paploo has slipped out of the undergrowth near where the Imperial scouts are lounging. He silently swings his furry ball of a body onto one of the scout's speeder bikes and begins flipping switches at random. Suddenly, the bike's engine fires up with a    tremendous ROAR. Paploo grins and continues flipping switches. The scouts leap up in surprise.

85 EXT RIDGE 85

Han, Leia and company watch in distress. Chewie barks.

HAN (sighs) There goes our surprise attack.

86 EXT BUNKER 86

The Imperial scouts race toward Paploo just as his speeder zooms into motion. Paploo hangs on by his paws and shoots away into the forest.

SCOUT Look! Over there! Stop him!

Three of the Imperial scouts jump on their rocket bikes and speed away in pursuit. The fourth watches them go from his post at the door.

87 EXT RIDGE 87

Han, Leia, and Chewie exchange delighted looks.

HAN Not bad for a little furball. There's only one left. You stay here. We'll take care of              this.

Han and the Wookiee nod at each other and slip down toward the bunker. Threepio moves to stand next to Wicket and Artoo.

THREEPIO I have decided that we shall stay here.

88 EXT FOREST 88

Paploo sails through the trees, more lucky than in control. It's    scary, but he loves it. When the Imperial scouts pull within sight behind him and begin firing laser bolts, he decides he's    had enough. As he rounds a tree, out of their sight, Paploo grabs a vine and swings up into the trees. A moment later, the scouts tear under him in pursuit of the still-flying, unoccupied bike.

89 EXT BUNKER 89

Han sneaks up behind the remaining Imperial scout, taps him on    the shoulder and lets the scout chase him behind the bunker into the arms of the waiting Rebel strike team. Han returns to the front, and taps out a pattern on the bunker door's control panel. Everyone stands out of sight, police-style, as the door opens. Han and Leia peek inside. No sign of life. The group enters the bunker silently, leaving one lookout behind.

90 INT DEATH STAR - EMPEROR'S THRONE ROOM 90

The elevator opens. Vader and Luke enter the room alone. They walk across the dark space to stand before the throne, father and son side by side beneath the gaze of the Emperor. Vader bows to    his Master.

EMPEROR Welcome, young Skywalker. I have been expecting you.

Luke peers at the hooded figure defiantly. The Emperor then looks down at Luke's binders.

EMPEROR You no longer need those.

The Emperor motions ever so slightly with his finger and Luke's    binders fall away, clattering to the floor. Luke looks down at    his own hands, free now to reach out and grab the Emperor's neck. He does nothing.

EMPEROR Guards, leave us.

The red-cloaked guards turn and disappear behind the elevator.

EMPEROR (to Luke) I'm looking forward to completing your training. In time you will call me Master.

LUKE You're gravely mistaken. You won't convert me              as you did my father.

The Emperor gets down from his throne and walks up very close to    Luke. The Emperor looks into his eyes and, for the first time, Luke can perceive the evil visage within the hood.

EMPEROR Oh, no, my young Jedi. You will find that it              is you who are mistaken...about a great many things.

VADER His lightsaber.

Vader extends a gloved hand toward the Emperor, revealing Luke's    lightsaber. The Emperor takes it.

EMPEROR Ah, yes, a Jedi's weapon. Much like your father's. By now you must know your father can never be turned from the dark side. So              will it be with you.

LUKE You're wrong. Soon I'll be dead...and you with me.

The Emperor laughs.

EMPEROR Perhaps you refer to the imminent attack of              your Rebel fleet.

Luke looks up sharply.

EMPEROR Yes...I assure you we are quite safe from your friends here.

Vader looks at Luke.

LUKE Your overconfidence is your weakness.

EMPEROR Your faith in your friends is yours.

VADER It is pointless to resist, my son.

The Emperor turns to face Luke.

EMPEROR (angry) Everything that has transpired has done so              according to my design. (indicates Endor) Your friends up there on the Sanctuary Moon...

Luke reacts. The Emperor notes it.

EMPEROR (cont) ...are walking into a trap. As is your Rebel fleet! It was I who allowed the Alliance to              know the location of the shield generator. It              is quite safe from your pitiful little band. An entire legion of my best troops awaits them.

Luke's look darts from the Emperor to Vader and, finally, to the sword in the Emperor's hand.

EMPEROR Oh...I'm afraid the deflector shield will be              quite operational when your friends arrive.

91 INT BUNKER - MAIN CONTROL ROOM 91

Han, Leia, Chewie, and the Rebel strike team storm through a door and enter the main control room, taking all of the personnel prisoner.

HAN All right! Up! Move! Come on! Quickly! Quickly, Chewie.

The Rebel troops herd the generator controllers away from their panels. Leia glances at one of the screens on the control panel.

LEIA Han! Hurry! The fleet will be here any moment.

HAN Charges! Come on, come on!

Outside, Threepio watches nervously in the bushes as several more controllers and stormtroopers run into the bunker, leaving guards at the door.

THREEPIO (to Wicket) Oh, my! They'll be captured!

Wicket chatters in Ewok language, and then takes off full steam into the forest.

THREEPIO Wa-wait! Wait, come back! Artoo, stay with me.

Inside the bunker, Han looks up from setting charges as an    Imperial commander enters.

COMMANDER Freeze! You Rebel scum.

Han and Leia spin, to find dozens of Imperial weapons trained on    them and their cohorts. A poised force of Imperial troops surround them. Even more pour into the room, roughly disarming the Rebel contingent. Han, Leia, and Chewie exchange looks. They're helpless.

92 EXT SPACE - ENDOR, DEATH STAR, REBEL FLEET 92

The Death Star and its Sanctuary Moon hang distant in space as    the Rebel fleet comes out of hyperspace with an awesome roar. The Millennium Falcon and several Rebel fighters are at the front as    the space armada bears down on its target.

93 INT MILLENNIUM FALCON - COCKPIT 93

Lando flips switches, checks his screen, and speaks into the radio.

LANDO All wings report in.

WEDGE Red Leader standing by.

GRAY LEADER Gray Leader standing by.

GREEN LEADER Green Leader standing by.

WEDGE Lock S-foils in attack positions.

94 INT REBEL STAR CRUISER - BRIDGE 94

From the bridge of the Rebel Headquarters Frigate, Admiral Ackbar watches the fighters massing outside his viewscreen.

ACKBAR May the Force be with us.

95 INT MILLENNIUM FALCON - COCKPIT 95

Lando looks worriedly at his alien copilot, Nien Nunb, who points to the control panel and talks to Lando.

LANDO We've got to be able to get some kind of a              reading on that shield, up or down. Well, how could they be jamming us if they don't know if we're coming.

Lando shoots a concerned look out at the approaching Death Star as the implications of what he's just said sink in. He hits a    switch on his comlink.

LANDO Break off the attack! The shield is still up.

RED LEADER (VO) I get no reading. Are you sure?

LANDO Pull up! All craft pull up!

The Falcon turns hard to the left. Out the window the stars and the Death Star move off right.

96 EXT SPACE - DEATH STAR SHIELD 96

The Falcon and the fighters of Red Squad veer off desperately to    avoid the unseen wall.

97 INT REBEL STAR CRUISER - BRIDGE 97

Alarms are screaming and lights flashing as the huge ship changes course abruptly. Other ships in the fleet shoot by outside as the armada tries to halt its forward momentum.

ACKBAR Take evasive action! Green Group, stick close to holding sector MV-7.

A Mon Calamari controller turns away from his screen and calls out to Ackbar, quite excited. The Admiral rushes over to the controller.

CONTROLLER Admiral, we have enemy ships in sector 47.

On the screen can be seen the moon, Death Star, and the massive Imperial fleet. Ackbar moves to the comlink.

ACKBAR It's a trap!

LANDO (over comlink) Fighters coming in.

There is much excitement on the bridge as the attack begins.

The Millennium Falcon and several squads of Rebel fighters head into an armada of TIE fighters. The sky explodes as a fierce dogfight ensues in and around the giant Rebel cruisers.

REBEL PILOT There's too many of them!

LANDO Accelerate to attack speed! Draw their fire away from the cruisers.

WEDGE Copy, Gold Leader.

The battle continues around the giant cruisers.

98 INT DEATH STAR - EMPEROR'S THRONE ROOM 98

Through the round window behind the Emperor's throne can be seen the distant flashes of the space battle in progress.

EMPEROR Come, boy. See for yourself.

The Emperor is sitting in his throne, with Vader standing at his side. Luke moves to look through a small section of the window.

EMPEROR From here you will witness the final destruction of the Alliance, and the end of              your insignificant Rebellion.

Luke is in torment. He glances at his lightsaber sitting on the armrest of the throne. The Emperor watches him and smiles, touches the lightsaber.

EMPEROR You want this, don't you? The hate is              swelling in you now. Take your Jedi weapon. Use it. I am unarmed. Strike me down with it. Give in to your anger. With each passing moment, you make yourself more my servant.

Vader watches Luke in his agony.

LUKE No!

EMPEROR It is unavoidable. It is your destiny. You, like your father, are now mine!

99 EXT FOREST - GENERATOR BUNKER 99

Han, Leia, Chewie, and the rest of the strike team are led out of    the bunker by their captors. The surrounding area, deserted before, is now crowded with two-legged Imperial walkers and hundreds of Imperial troops. The situation looks hopeless.

STORMTROOPER All right, move it! I said move it! Go on!

From the undergrowth beyond the clearing comes a wild series of    beeps and whistles. And --

THREEPIO Hello! I say, over there! Were you looking for me?

BUNKER COMMANDER Bring those two down here!

STORMTROOPER Let's go!

Artoo and Threepio are standing near one of the big trees. As six Imperial stormtroopers rush over to take them captive, the two droids duck out of sight behind the tree.

THREEPIO Well, they're on their way. Artoo, are you sure this was a good idea?

STORMTROOPER Freeze! Don't move!

THREEPIO We surrender.

The stormtroopers come around the tree and find the two droids waiting quietly to be taken. As the Imperial troops move to do    that, however, a band of Ewoks drops down from above and overpowers them.

THREEPIO Ohhh! Stand back, Artoo.

In a nearby tree, an Ewok raises a horn to his lips and sounds the EWOK ATTACK CALL. All hell breaks loose as hundreds of Ewoks throw their fuzzy bodies into the fray against the assembled stormtroopers and their awesome two-legged walkers.

Biker scouts dart about blasting Ewoks, only to be crushed by a    volley of rocks tossed by Ewoks from the trees above.

In the confusion of the battle, Han and Leia break away and dive for the cover of the bunker door as explosions erupt around them. Han goes to the bunker door control panel.

LEIA The code's changed. We need Artoo!

HAN Here's the terminal.

LEIA (into comlink) Artoo, where are you? We need you at the bunker right away.

Artoo and Threepio are hiding behind a log as the battle rages around them. Suddenly the stubby little astrodroid lets out a    series of whistles and shoots off across the battlefield. Threepio, panicked, runs after him.

THREEPIO Going? What do you mean, you're going. But-- but going where, Artoo? No, what! Artoo! Oh, this is no time for heroics. Come back!

Biker scouts race around and over the two droids, blasting away at the little Ewoks as the furries scurry for cover.

A group of Ewoks have moved a primitive catapult into position. They fire off a large boulder that hits one of the walkers. The walker turns and heads for the catapult, blasting away with both guns. The Ewoks abandon their weapons and flee in all directions. Just as the walker moves in to stomp the catapult, Ewoks drop vines restraining two huge logs that swing down and smash the walker's head flat.

A line of Ewoks hang desperately to a vine that is hooked to a    walker's foot. As the walker moves along, the fuzzy creatures are dragged behind.

Two speeder bikes chase Ewoks through the underbrush. As the scouts round a tree, they are knocked off their bikes by a vine tied between two trees.

100 EXT SPACE 100

The Falcon and other Rebel fighters are engaged in a ferocious combat with Imperial TIE fighters, the battle raging around the cruisers of the Rebel armada.

101 INT MILLENNIUM FALCON - COCKPIT 101

Lando is in radio communication with the pilots of the other Rebel squads.

LANDO Watch yourself, Wedge! Three from above!

WEDGE Red Three, Red Two, pull in!

RED TWO Got it!

RED THREE Three of them coming in, twenty degrees!

WEDGE

Cut to the left! I'll take the leader! They're heading for the medical frigate.

Lando steers the Falcon through a complete flip, as his crew fires at the TIEs from the belly guns.

NAVIGATOR Pressure's steady.

The copilot Nien Nunb chatters an observation.

LANDO Only the fighters are attacking. I wonder what those Star Destroyers are waiting for.

102 EXT SPACE - IMPERIAL FLEET 102

The giant Imperial Star Destroyer waits silently some distance from the battle. The Emperor's huge Super Star Destroyer rests in    the middle of the fleet.

103 INT SUPER STAR DESTROYER - BRIDGE 103

Admiral Piett and two fleet commanders watch the battle at the huge window of the Super Star Destroyer bridge.

COMMANDER We're in attack position now, sir.

PIETT Hold here.

COMMANDER We're not going to attack?

PIETT I have my orders from the Emperor himself. He              has something special planned for them. We              only need to keep them from escaping.

104 INT EMPEROR'S TOWER - THRONE ROOM 104

The Emperor, Vader, and a horrified Luke watch the aerial battle fireworks out the window and on the viewscreens. Another Rebel ship explodes against the protective shield.

EMPEROR As you can see, my young apprentice, your friends have failed. Now witness the firepower of this fully armed and operational battle station. (into comlink) Fire at will, Commander.

Luke, in shock, looks out across the surface of the Death Star to    the Rebel fleet beyond.

105 INT DEATH STAR - CONTROL ROOM 105

Controllers pull back on several switches. Commander Jerjerrod stands over them.

JERJERROD Fire!

106 INT DEATH STAR - BLAST CHAMBER 106

A button is pressed, which switches on a panel of lights.

A hooded Imperial soldier reaches overhead and pulls a lever. A    huge beam of light emanates from a long shaft. Two stormtroopers stand to one side at a control panel.

107 EXT DEATH STAR 107

The giant laser dish on the completed half of the Death Star begins to glow; Then a powerful beams shoots out toward the aerial battle.

108 EXT SPACE - AIR BATTLE 108

The air is thick with giant ships. In among them, Rebel X-wings dogfight with Imperial TIE fighters. Now an enormous Rebel cruiser is hit by the Death Star beam and is blown to dust.

The Millennium Falcon roars over CAMERA, followed closely by    several TIE fighters.

109 INT MILLENNIUM FALCON - COCKPIT 109

The ship is buffeted by the tremendous explosion of the Rebel cruiser. Lando and his copilot are stunned by the sight of the Death Star firepower.

LANDO That blast came from the Death Star! That thing's operational! (into comlink) Home One, this is Gold Leader.

110 INT REBEL STAR CRUISER - BRIDGE 110

Ackbar stands amid the confusion on the wide bridge and speaks into the comlink.

ACKBAR We saw it. All craft prepare to retreat.

LANDO You won't get another chance at this, Admiral.

ACKBAR We have no choice, General Calrissian. Our cruisers can't repel firepower of that magnitude.

LANDO Han will have that shield down. We've got to              give him more time.

111 EXT FOREST - GENERATOR BUNKER 111

Artoo and Threepio make it to the door, as Han and Leia provide cover fire.

THREEPIO We're coming!

HAN Come on! Come on!

THREEPIO Oh, Artoo, hurry!

The little droid moves to the terminal and plugs in his computer arm. A large explosion hits near Artoo, knocking him head over heels, finally landing on his feet. The stubby astrodroid's    head is spinning and smoldering. Suddenly there is a loud SPROOING and Han and Leia turn around to see Artoo with all his compartment doors open, and all of his appendages sticking out; water and smoke spurt out of the nozzles in his body. Han rushes to the terminal, as Threepio rushes to his wounded companion.

THREEPIO My goodness! Artoo, why did you have to be so              brave?

HAN Well, I suppose I could hotwire this thing.

LEIA I'll cover you.

Ewoks in handmade, primitive hanggliders drop rocks onto the stormtroopers, dive-bombing their deadly adversaries. One is hit in the wing with laser fire and crashes. A walker lumbers forward, shooting laser blasts at frantic Ewoks running in all directions. Two Ewoks are struck down by laser blasts. One tries to awaken his friend, then realizes that he is dead.

112 EXT SPACE - DEATH STAR 112

The Rebel fleet continues to be picked off, from one side by the Death Star's deadly beam, from the other by the rampaging Imperial Star Destroyers.

113 INT MILLENNIUM FALCON - COCKPIT 113

Lando steers the Falcon wildly through an obstacle course of    floating giants. He's been yelling into the comlink.

LANDO (desperately) Yes! I said closer! Move as close as you can and engage those Star Destroyers at point- blank range.

ACKBAR At that close range, we won't last long against those Star Destroyers.

LANDO We'll last longer then we will against that Death Star...and we might just take a few of              them with us.

The Rebel cruisers move very close to the Imperial Star Destroyers and begin to blast away at point-blank range. Tiny fighters race across the giant surfaces, against a backdrop of    laser fire.

The control tower of a Star Destroyer is under attack.

REBEL PILOT She's gonna blow!

Y-WING PILOT I'm hit!

The damaged Y-wing plummets toward the Star Destroyer, and crashes into the control tower, exploding.

114 INT EMPEROR'S TOWER - THRONE ROOM 114

Out of the window and on the view screens, the Rebel fleet is    being decimated in blinding explosions of light and debris. But in here there is no sound of battle. The Emperor turns to Luke.

EMPEROR Your fleet has lost. And your friends on the Endor moon will not survive. There is no              escape, my young apprentice. The Alliance will die...as will your friends.

Luke's eyes are full of rage. Vader watches him.

EMPEROR Good. I can feel your anger. I am              defenseless. Take your weapon! Strike me              down with all your hatred, and your journey towards the dark side will be complete.

Luke can resist no longer. The lightsaber flies into his hand. He    ignites it in an instant and swings at the Emperor. Vader's    lightsaber flashes into view, blocking Luke's blow before it can reach the Emperor. The two blades spark at contact. Luke turns to    fight his father.

115 EXT FOREST 115

The battle rages on. Stormtroopers fire on Ewoks with sophisticated weapons while their furry little adversaries sneak up behind the Imperial troopers and bash them over the head with large clubs.

A walker marches through the undergrowth blasting Ewoks as it    goes. An Ewok warrior gives the signal, and a pile of logs is cut loose. The logs tumble under the walker's feet, causing it to    slip and slide until it finally topples over with a great crash.

A scout bike races past and is lassoed with a heavy vine. The other end of the vine is tied to a tree, and the bike swings around in ever-tightening circles until it runs out of rope and crashes into the trees with a huge explosion.

Chewie swings on a vine to the roof of one of the walkers. Two Ewoks cling to him. They land with a thud on the top of the lurching machine, then hang on for dear life. One of the Ewoks peeks through the window.

WALKER PILOT #1 Look!

PILOT #2 Get him off of there!

The walker pilot opens the hatch to see what's going on. He is    yanked out and tossed overboard before he can scream. The two Ewoks jump into the cockpit and knock the second pilot unconscious. The Ewoks are thrown violently as the mighty machine careens out of control. Outside, Chewie is almost knocked overboard; he sticks his head into the hatch with a series of    angry barks. The Ewoks are too busy and frightened to listen to    the Wookiee's complaint. Chewie slips inside the walker.

Chewbacca's walker moves through the forest, firing laser blasts at unsuspecting stormtroopers, and destroying other Imperial walkers. The Ewoks shout and cheer as the giant machine helps turn the tide of the battle in their favor.

116 EXT FOREST - GENERATOR BUNKER 116

Han works furiously at the control panel; wires spark as he    attempts to hotwire the door. He motions to Leia, who is blasting away at some stormtroopers.

HAN I think I got it. I got it!

The three wires spark as the connection is made. With a LOUD WHOOSH, a second blast door crashes down in front of the first.

Han frowns and turns back to the wires again. Leia exchanges shots with stormtroopers in the bushes, then suddenly cries out in pain, her shoulder hit by a laser blast.

THREEPIO Oh, Princess Leia, are you all right?

HAN Let's see.

LEIA It's not bad.

STORMTROOPER (OS) Freeze!

They freeze.

THREEPIO Oh, dear.

STORMTROOPER Don't move!

Leia holds her laser gun ready, behind Han, out of view of the two stormtroopers moving toward them. Han and Leia's eyes lock; the moment seems suspended in time.

HAN I love you.

Another shared look between them, as she smiles up at Han.

LEIA I know.

STORMTROOPER Hands up! Stand up!

Han stands up slowly and turns, revealing the gun in Leia's hand. She disposes of the stormtroopers in a flash. As Han turns back toward Leia, he looks up to see a giant walker approach and stand before him, its deadly weapons aimed right at him.

HAN (to Leia) Stay back.

The hatch on top of the walker opens and Chewie sticks his head out and barks triumphantly.

HAN Chewie! Get down here! She's wounded! No, wait.... I got an idea.

117 INT EMPEROR'S TOWER - THRONE ROOM 117

Luke and Vader are engaged in a man-to-man duel of lightsabers even more vicious then the battle on Bespin. But the young Jedi has grown stronger in the interim, and now the advantage shifts to him. Vader is forced back, losing his balance, and is knocked down the stairs. Luke stands at the top of the stairs, ready to    attack.

EMPEROR (laughing) Good. Use your aggressive feelings, boy! Let the hate flow through you.

Luke looks momentarily toward the Emperor, then back to Vader, and realizes he is using the dark side. He steps back, turns off his lightsaber, and relaxes, driving the hate from his being.

VADER Obi-Wan has taught you well.

LUKE I will not fight you, father.

Vader walks back up the stairs to Luke.

VADER You are unwise to lower your defenses.

Vader attacks, forcing Luke on the defensive. The young Jedi leaps in an amazing reverse flip up to the safety of the catwalk overhead. Vader stands below him.

LUKE Your thoughts betray you, father. I feel the good in you...the conflict.

VADER There is no conflict.

LUKE You couldn't bring yourself to kill me              before, and I don't believe you'll destroy me               now.

VADER You underestimate the power of the dark side. If you will not fight, then you will meet your destiny.

Vader throws the laser sword and it cuts through the supports holding the catwalk, then returns to Vader's hand. Luke tumbles to the ground in a shower of sparks and rolls out of sight under the Emperor's platform. Vader moves to find him.

EMPEROR (laughs) Good. Good.

118 EXT SPACE - AIR BATTLE 118

The two armadas, like their sea-bound ancestors, blast away at    each other in individual point-blank confrontations. A Star Destroyer explodes. The Rebel victor limps away, its back half alive with a series of minor explosions. The Rebel cruiser manages to move in next to a second Star Destroyer before it    explodes completely, taking the Imperial Star Destroyer with it. The Falcon and several fighters attack one of the larger Imperial ships.

LANDO Watch out. Squad at .06.

REBEL PILOT I'm on it, Gold Leader.

WEDGE Good shot, Red Two.

LANDO Now...come on, Han, old buddy. Don't let me              down.

119 INT BUNKER - CONTROL ROOM 119

Controllers watch the main viewscreen on which a vague figure of    an Imperial walker pilot can be seen. There is a great deal of    static and interference.

HAN/PILOT (VO) It's over, Commander. The Rebels have been routed. They're fleeing into the woods. We              need reinforcements to continue the pursuit.

The controllers cheer.

CONTROL ROOM COMMANDER Send three squads to help. Open the back door.

SECOND COMMANDER Yes, sir.

120 EXT FOREST - GENERATOR BUNKER 120

As the door to the bunker opens and the Imperial troops rush out, they're surprised to find themselves surrounded by Rebels, their weapons pointed at them. Ewoks holding bows and arrows appear on    the roof of the bunker. The Imperial troops throw down their guns as Han and Chewie rush inside the bunker with explosive charges.

121 INT BUNKER - CONTROL ROOM 121

Han, Chewie, and several troops rush into the control room and plant explosive charges on the control panels and rush out.

HAN Throw me another charge.

122 INT EMPEROR'S TOWER - THRONE ROOM 122

Vader stalks the low-ceilinged area on the level below the throne, searching for Luke in the semi-darkness, his lightsaber held ready.

VADER You cannot hide forever, Luke.

LUKE I will not fight you.

VADER Give yourself to the dark side. It is the only way you can save your friends. Yes, your thoughts betray you. Your feelings for them are strong. Especially for...

Vader stops and senses something. Luke shuts his eyes tightly, in    anguish.

VADER Sister! So...you have a twin sister. Your feelings have now betrayed her, too. Obi-Wan was wise to hide her from me. Now his failure is complete. If you will not turn to the dark side, then perhaps she will.

LUKE Never-r-r!

Luke ignites his lightsaber and screams in anger, rushing at his father with a frenzy we have not seen before. Sparks fly as Luke and Vader fight in the cramped area. Luke's hatred forces Vader to retreat out of the low area and across a bridge overlooking a    vast elevator shaft. Each stroke of Luke's sword drives his father further toward defeat.

The Dark Lord is knocked to his knees, and as he raises his sword to block another onslaught, Luke slashes Vader's right hand off at the wrist, causing metal and electronic parts to fly from the mechanical stump. Vader's sword clatters uselessly away, over the edge of the platform and into the bottomless shaft below. Luke moves over Vader and holds the blade of his sword to the Dark Lord's throat. The Emperor watches with uncontrollable, pleased agitation.

EMPEROR Good! Your hate has made you powerful. Now, fulfill your destiny and take your father's              place at my side!

Luke looks at his father's mechanical hand, then to his own mechanical, black-gloved hand, and realizes how much he is    becoming like his father. He makes the decision for which he    has spent a lifetime in preparation. Luke steps back and hurls his lightsaber away.

LUKE Never! I'll never turn to the dark side. You've failed, Your Highness. I am a Jedi, like my father before me.

The Emperor's glee turns to rage.

EMPEROR So be it...Jedi.

123 EXT FOREST - GENERATOR BUNKER 123

Han and several of the fighters run out of the bunker and race across the clearing.

HAN Move! Move!

A shock wave knocks them flat as the bunker explodes, followed by    a spectacular display as the huge shield-generator radar dish explodes along with the bunker.

124 INT REBEL STAR CRUISER - BRIDGE 124

Ackbar, sitting in his control chair, speaks into the radio.

ACKBAR The shield is down! Commence attack on the Death Star's main reactor.

LANDO We're on our way. Red Group, Gold Group, all fighters follow me. (laughs) Told you they'd              do it!

The Falcon, followed by several smaller Rebel fighters, heads toward the unfinished superstructure of the Death Star.

125 INT EMPEROR'S TOWER - THRONE ROOM 125

Luke stands still, as the Emperor reaches the bottom of the stairs. The Emperor's laughter has turned to anger. He raises his arms toward Luke.

EMPEROR If you will not be turned, you will be              destroyed.

Blinding bolts of energy, evil lightning, shoot from the Emperor's hands at Luke. Even in his surprise, the young Jedi tries to use the Force to deflect them. At first he is half successful, but after a moment the bolts of energy are coming with such speed and power the young Jedi shrinks before them, his knees buckling. The wounded Vader struggles to his feet, and moves to stand at his master's side.

EMPEROR Young fool...only now, at the end, do you understand.

Luke is almost unconscious beneath the continuing assault of the Emperor's lightning. He clutches a canister to keep from falling into the bottomless shaft as the bolts tear through him.

EMPEROR Your feeble skills are no match for the power of the dark side. You have paid the price for your lack of vision.

Luke writhes on the floor in unbearable pain, reaching weakly up    toward where Vader stands watching.

LUKE (groans) Father, please. Help me.

Again Vader stands, watching Luke. He looks at his master, the Emperor, then back to Luke on the floor.

EMPEROR Now, young Skywalker...you will die.

Although it would not have seemed possible, the outpouring of    bolts from the Emperor's fingers actually increases in intensity, the sound screaming through the room. Luke's body writhes in    pain.

Vader grabs the Emperor from behind, fighting for control of the robed figure despite the Dark Lord's weakened body and gravely weakened arm. The Emperor struggles in his embrace, his bolt- shooting hands now lifted high, away from Luke. Now the white lightning arcs back to strike at Vader. He stumbles with his load as the sparks rain off his helmet and flow down over his black cape. He holds his evil master high over his head and walks to    the edge of the abyss at the central core of the throne room. With one final burst of his once awesome strength, Darth Vader hurls the Emperor's body into the bottomless shaft.

The Emperor's body spins helplessly into the void, arcing as it    falls into the abyss. Finally, when the body is far down the shaft, it explodes, creating a rush of air through the room. Vader's cape is whipped by the wind and he staggers, and collapses toward the bottomless hole. Luke crawls to his father's    side and pulls him away from the edge of the abyss to safety. Both the young Jedi and the giant warrior are too weak to move.

126 EXT/INT - SPACE BATTLE - FIGHTER AND DEATH STAR 126

Rebel fighters follow the Falcon across the surface of the Death Star to the unfinished portion, where they dive into the super- structure of the giant battle station, followed by many TIE fighters.

WEDGE I'm going in.

LANDO Here goes nothing.

Three X-wings lead the chase through the ever-narrowing shaft, followed by the Falcon and four other fighters, plus TIE fighters who continually fire at the Rebels. Lights reflect off the pilot's faces as they race through the dark shaft.

LANDO Now lock onto the strongest power source. It              should be the power generator.

WEDGE Form up. And stay alert. We could run out of              space real fast.

The fighters and the Falcon race through the tunnel, still pursued by the TIE fighters. One of the X-wings is hit from behind and explodes.

LANDO Split up and head back to the surface. See if              you can get a few of those TIE fighters to               follow you.

PILOT Copy, Gold Leader.

The Rebel ships peel off pursued by three of the TIE's, while Lando and Wedge continue through the main tunnel. It narrows, and the Falcon scrapes the side dangerously. Two other TIE fighters continue to blast away at them.

LANDO That was too close.

Nien Nunb agrees. The battle between the Rebel and Imperial fleet rages on. Several cruisers fire at the giant Super Star Destroyer.

127 INT REBEL STAR CRUISER - BRIDGE 127

ACKBAR We've got to give those fighters more time. Concentrate all fire on that Super Star Destroyer.

X-wings pilots head across the surface of the huge battleship.

128 INT VADER'S STAR DESTROYER - BRIDGE 128

Admiral Piett and a commander stand at the window, looking out to    the battle. They look concerned.

CONTROLLER Sir, we've lost our bridge deflector shield.

PIETT Intensify the forward batteries. I don't want anything to get through.

The commander is looking out of the window where a damaged Rebel fighter is out of control and heading directly toward the bridge.

PIETT Intensify forward firepower!

COMMANDER It's too late!

The Rebel pilot screams as his ship hits the Star Destroyer, causing a huge explosion. The giant battle ship loses control, crashes into the Death Star, and explodes.

129 INT REBEL STAR CRUISER - BRIDGE 129

There is excitement on the bridge as the battle rages on all sides. They cheer as the giant Star Destroyer blows up.

130 INT DEATH STAR - MAIN DOCKING BAY 130

Chaos. For the first time, the Death Star is rocked by explosions as the Rebel fleet, no longer backed against a wall, zooms over, unloading a heavy barrage. Imperial troops run in all directions, confused and desperate to escape.

In the midst of this uproar, Luke is trying to carry the enormous deadweight of his father's weakening body toward an Imperial shuttle. Finally, Luke collapses from the strain. The explosions grow louder as Vader draws him closer.

VADER (a whisper) Luke, help me take this mask off.

LURE But you'll die.

VADER Nothing can stop that now. Just for once...              let me look on you with my own eyes.

Slowly, hesitantly, Luke removes the mask from his father's face. There beneath the scars is an elderly man. His eyes do not focus. But the dying man smiles at the sight before him.

ANAKIN (very weak) Now...go, my son. Leave me.

LUKE No. You're coming with me. I can't leave you here. I've got to save you.

ANAKIN You already have, Luke. You were right about me. Tell your sister...you were right.

LUKE Father... I won't leave you.

Darth Vader, Anakin Skywalker...Luke's father, dies.

A huge explosion rocks the docking bay. Slowly, Luke rises and, half carrying, half dragging the body of his father, stumbles toward a shuttle.

131 EXT DEATH STAR 131

The Millennium Falcon leads a swerving bomb run through the immense superstructure of the half-built Death Star. The Rebel Star Cruisers outside continually bombard the huge station. And each direct hit is answered by resonating, chain-reaction explosions within the station itself.

132 INT MILLENNIUM FALCON - COCKPIT AND GUN PORTS 132

Lando's crew fires away at the pursuing TIE fighters as the dashing Baron of Bespin and his alien copilot home in on the main reactor shaft. It is awesome. A lone X-wing is just in front of    the Falcon.

WEDGE There it is!

LANDO All right, Wedge. Go for the power regulator on the north tower.

WEDGE Copy, Gold Leader. I'm already on my way out.

The X-wing heads for the top of the huge reactor and fires several proton torpedoes at the power regulator, causing a series of small explosions.

The Falcon heads for the main reactor, and when it is dangerously close, Lando fires the missiles, which shoot out of the Falcon with a powerful roar, and hit directly at the center of the main reactor.

He maneuvers the Falcon out of the winding superstructure just ahead of the continuing chain of explosions.

133 INT REBEL STAR CRUISER - BRIDGE 133

Ackbar and other Mon Calamari lean on the railing of the bridge, watching the large screen showing the Death Star in the main briefing room.

ACKBAR Move the fleet away from the Death Star.

134 EXT DEATH STAR 134

An Imperial shuttle, with Luke alone in the cockpit, rockets out of the main docking bay as that entire section of the Death Star is blown away. But as Luke pilots toward the safety of the Sanctuary moon, his thoughts - enhanced by the Force - turn to    his friends aboard the Millennium Falcon.

The Falcon flies at top speed, with a single X-wing as escort, over the endless surface of the Death Star. A series of    explosions within the superstructure follow, then swiftly overtake the small craft as it races for an exit.

135 INT MILLENNIUM FALCON - COCKPIT 135

Lando turns to Nien Nunb and shakes his head.

LANDO (into comlink) Wedge, I don't think we're going to make it.

WEDGE (VO) You'll make it. Just follow me Gold Leader.

LANDO (to himself) I promised to return his ship without a              scratch...I sure hope that old pirate forgives me.

135A EXT DEATH STAR 135A

An X-wing, piloted by Wedge Antilles, races out of the exploding superstructure and whizzes toward the Sanctuary Moon. But the Millennium Falcon is not fast enough as it explodes with the Death Star in a supernova of glory.

136 EXT ENDOR FOREST 136

Han and Leia, Chewie, the droids, the Rebel troops, and the Ewoks all look to the sky as the Death Star reveals itself in a final flash of self-destruction. All except Han cheer, as the thirty- year-old starship pilot feels a deep personal loss.

HAN (whispering to himself) Lando...

THREEPIO (misinterpreting Han's reference) They did it!

Han looks down from the sky to Leia, a look of sorrow and regret on his face. He knows he will never see the Falcon and Lando again. His thoughts turn to Leia, as she continues to look at the sky, watching for Luke.

137 EXT ENDOR FOREST - NIGHT 137

Luke sets a torch to the logs stacked under a funeral pyre where his father's body lies, again dressed in black mask and helmet. He stands, watching sadly, as the flames leap higher to consume Darth Vader -- Anakin Skywalker.

In the sky above, fireworks explode and Rebel fighters zoom above the forest.

138 EXT EWOK VILLAGE SQUARE - NIGHT 138

A huge bonfire is the centerpiece of a wild celebration. Rebels and Ewoks rejoice in the warm glow of firelight, drums beating, singing, dancing, and laughing in the communal language of    victory and liberation.

Lando runs in and is enthusiastically hugged by Han and Chewie. Then, finally, Luke arrives and the friends rush to greet and embrace him. They stand close, this hardy group, taking comfort in each other's touch, together to the end.

Rebels and Ewoks join together in dancing and celebration. The original group of adventurers watch from the sidelines. Only Luke seems distracted, alone in their midsts, his thoughts elsewhere.

He looks off to the side and sees three shimmering, smiling figures at the edge of the shadows: Ben Kenobi, Yoda, and Anakin Skywalker.

FADE OUT

END CREDITS OVER STAR FIELD

THE END

--

CREDITS

PRODUCTION STAFF

Directed by                          RICHARD MARQUAND Produced by                          HOWARD KAZANJIAN Screenplay by                  LAWRENCE KASDAN and GEORGE LUCAS Story by                            GEORGE LUCAS Executive Producer GEORGE LUCAS Co-Producers ROBERT WATTS, JIM BLOOM Production Designer NORMAN REYNOLDS Director of Photography ALAN HUME, B.S.C                             Edited by              SEAN BARTON, MARCIA LUCAS, DUWAYNE DUNHAM Visual Effects RICHARD EDLUND, A.S.C, DENNIS MUREN, KEN RALSTON Costume Designers AGGIE GUERARD RODGERS, NILO RODIS-JAMERO Mechanical Effects Supervision KIT WEST Make-Up and Creature Design PHIL TIPPETT, STUART FREEBORN Sound Design BEN BURTT Music by                           JOHN WILLIAMS

CAST

Luke Skywalker MARK HAMILL Han Solo HARRISON FORD Princess Leia CARRIE FISHER Lando Calrissian BILLY DEE WILLIAMS See-Theepio (C-3PO) ANTHONY DANIELS Chewbacca PETER MAYHEW Anakin Skywalker SEBASTIAN SHAW Emperor IAN McDIARMID Yoda FRANK OZ Darth Vader DAVID PROWSE Voice of Darth Vader JAMES EARL JONES Ben (Obi-Wan) Kenobi ALEC GUINNESS

SUPPORTING CAST

Artoo-Detoo (R2-D2) KENNY BAKER Moff Jerjerrod MICHAEL PENNINGTON Admiral Piett KENNETH COLLEY Bib Fortuna MICHAEL CARTER Wedge DENIS LAWSON Admiral Ackbar TIM ROSE General Madine DERMOT CROWLEY Mon Mothma CAROLINE BLAKISTON Wicket WARWICK DAVIS Paploo KENNY BAKER Boba Fett JEREMY BULLOCH Oola FEMI TAYLOR Sy Snootles ANNIE ARBOGAST Fat Dancer CLAIRE DAVENPORT Teebo JACK PURVIS Logray MIKE EDMONDS Chief Chirpa JANE BUSBY Ewok Warrior MALCOM DIXON Ewok Warrior MIKE COTTRELL Nicki NICKI READE Stardestroyer Controller No. 1 ADAM BAREHAM Stardestroyer Controller No. 2 JONATHAN OLIVER Stardestroyer Captain No. 1 PIP MILLER Stardestroyer Captain No. 2 TOM MANNION Jabba Puppeteers TOBY PHILPOTT, MIKE EDMONDS, DAVID BARCLAY Puppeteers MICHAEL McCORMICK, DEEP ROY, SIMON WILLIAMSON, HUGH SPIRIT, SWIM LEE, MICHAEL QUINN, RICHARD ROBINSON

Set Decorators MICHAEL FORD, HARRY LANGE Conceptual Artist RALPH McQUARRIE Art Directors FRED HOLE, JAMES SCHOPPE Assistant Art Directors MICHAEL LAMONT, JOHN FENNER, RICHARD DAWKING Assistant Art Decorator SHARON CARTWRIGHT Set Dresser DOUG VON KOSS Assistant Set Dresser CHUCK RAY Constuction Manager BILL WELCH Assistant Construction Manager ALAN BOOTH Construction Supervisor ROGER IRVIN General Foreman BILL IIAMS Construction Foreman GREG CALLAS, GUY CLAUSE, DOUG ELLIOT, STAN WAKASHIGE Laborer Foremen GENE FUKUZAWA, DON JOHNSON Paint Foreman GARY CLARK Standby Painter GIOVANNI FERRARA Sketch Artist ROY CARNON Scenic Artist TED MICHELL Assistant Scenic Artist STEVEN SALLYBANKS Decor and Lettering Artist BOB WALKER, BRIAN SMITH Electronic Graphic Consultant ROB DICKINSON Set Draftsmen REG BREAM, MARK BILLERMAN, CHRIS CAMPELL GEORGE DJURKOVIC, GAVIN BOCQUET, KEVIN PHIPPS Production Buyers DAVID LUSBY, IAN GILADJIAN Constuction Storeman DAVID MIDDLETON Art Department Secretary CAROL REGAN

Location Director of Photography JIM GLENNON Additional Photography JACK LOWIN Operating Cameramen ALEC MILLS, TOM LAUGHRIDGE, MIKE BENSON Focus Puller MICHAEL FRIFT, CHRIS TANNER Assistant Cameramen Leo NAPOLITANO, BOB LA BONGE Second Assistant Cameramen SIMON HUME, STEVE TATE, MARTIN KENZIE, MICHAEL GLENNON Gaffers MIKE PANTAGES, BOB BREMNER Aerial Photography RON GOODMAN, MARGARET HERRON Helicopter Pilot MARK WOLFE Key Grip DICK DOVA SPAH Best Boy JOE CROWLEY Dolly Grip CHUNKY HUSE, REG HALL Matte Photography Consultant STANLEY SAYER, B.S.C.                          Rigging Gaffers CLARK GARLAND, TOMMY BROWN Electrician Bill DREYFUSS Craft Service GEORGE MAURICIO

Chief Make-Up Artist TOM SMITH, GRAHAM FREEBORN Make-Up Artists PETER ROBB KING, DICKIE MILLS KAY FREEBORN, NICK DUDMAN, ALAN BROWNIE Make-Up Assistants BOB KEEN, SUE OAKS, CHRISTINE ALLSOPP, DANIEL PARKER JEREMY HARRIS, TERRI ANDERSON Make-Up Effects Engineer BOB BROMLEY Modellers MICHAEL OSBORN, JAN STEVENS, CHRISTINE OVERS, RICHARD PADBURY Chief Hairdresser PATRICIA McDERMONT Hairdressers MIKE LOCKEY, PAUL LE BLANC Chief Articulation Engineer STUART ZIFF Assistant Articulation Engineer EBEN STROMQUIST Armature Design PETER RONZANI Plastic Designer RICHARD DAVIS Sculptural Designers CHUCK WILEY, JAMES HOWARD Key Sculptors DAVE CARSON, TONY McVEY, DAVE SOSALLA, JUDY ELKINS, DEREK HOWARTH Cheif Moldmaker WESLEY SEEDS Moldmaker RON YOUNG Creature Technicians RANDY DUTRA, KIRK THATCHER, DAN HOWARD, JAMES ISAAC, BRIAN TURNER, JEANNE LAUREN, RICHARD SPAH JR., ETHAN WILEY, RAY HANSON, RODGER SHAW Creature Consultants JON BERG, CHRIS WALAS Production/Creature Co-Ordinator PATTY BLAU Latex Foam Lab Supervisor TOM McLAUGHLIN Animatronics Engineers JOHN COPPINGER

Wardrobe Supervisor RON BECK Costume Supervisor MARY ELIZABETH STILL Wardrobe Mistress JANET TEBROOKE Shop Manager JENNY GREEN Jeweler RICHARD MILLER Wardrode Assistants PATRICK  WHEATLEY, COLIN WILCON, JANET LUCAS, DIANE MURPHY, MICHAEL JEFFREY, KEITH MORTON, JOHN BIRKINSHAW Creature Costumers BARBARA KASSAL, EDWIN PELLIKKA, ANNE POLLAND, ELVIRA ANGELINETTA, MICK BECKER, CLAUDIA EVERETT, LAURIE RUDD, NANCY SERVIN, KARRIN KAIN, DERIK HYDE, MAGGIE JOY, PATTE MOON, JANICE GARTIN, JULIE WOODBRIDGE, BARBARA GILLETT, RITA WAKELY, EILEEN SULLIVAN

Property Master PETER HANCOCK Assistant Property Master CHARLES TORBETT Property Supervisors DAN COANGELO, BRIAN LOFTHOUSE Property HOLLY WALKER, IVAN VAN PERRE Propmakers BILL HARGREAVES, RICHARD PETERS Master Carpenter BERT LONG Master Plasterer KENNY CLARKE Master Painter ERIC SHIRTCLIFFE Supervising Rigger RED LAWRENCE Supervising Stagehabd EDDIE BURKE Sail Co-Ordinators BILL KREYSLER, WARWICK TOMPKINS Sails Engineering DERRICK BAYLIS, PEGGY KASHUBA

Production Sound TONY DAWE, RANDY THOM Boom Operators DAVID BATCHELOR, DAVID PARKER Sound Assistants SHEP DAWE, JIM MANSON Audio Engineers T.M. CHRISTOPHER, KRIS HANDWERK, TOM JOHNSON, BRIAN KELLY, ROBERT MARTY, SCOTT ROBINSON, DENNIE THORPE, JOHN WATSON Post-Production Assistants CATHERINE COOMBS, K.C. HODENFIELD, JAMES KESSLER, SUSAN LEAHY English Lyrics JOSEPH WILLIAMS Huttesse Lyrics ANNIE ARBOGAST Ewokese Lyrics BEN BURTT Re-Recording Mixers GARY SUMMER, ROGER SAVAGE, BEN BURTT, RANDY THOM Music Recording ERIC TOMLINSON Orchestrations HERBERT W. SPENCER Supervising Music Editor KENNETH WANNBERG Re-Recording Engineer TOMLINSON HOLMAN Assistant Film Editors STEVE STARKEY, CONRAD BUFF, PHIL SANDERSON, NICK HOSKER, DEBRA McDERMOTT, CLIVE HARTLEY Sound Effects Editors RICHARD BURROW, TERESA ECKTON, KEN FISHER Dialogue Editors LAUREL LADEVICH, CURT SCHULKEY, BONNIE KOEHLER, VICKIE ROSE SAMPSON Assistant Sound Editors CHRIS WEIR, BILL MANN, GLORIA BORDERS, SUZANNE FOX, KATHY RYAN, NANCY JENKS, MARY HELEN LEASMAN

Production Supervisor DOUGLAS TWIDDY Production Executive ROBERT LATHAM BROWN Unit Production Manager MIKI HERMAN Assistant Production Manager PATRICA CARR Associate to Producer LOUIS G. FRIEDMAN

First Assistant Director/Second Unit Director DAVID TOMBLIN Second Assistant Directors ROY BUTTON, MICHEAL STEELE, CHRIS NEWMAN, RUSSELL LODGE Production Assistant IAN BRYCE Production Co-Ordinator LATA RYAN Co-Ordination Assistants SUNNI KERWIN, GAIL SAMUELSON Script Supervisor PAMELA MANN FRANCIS Location Script Supervisor BOB FOREST Stunt Co-Ordinator GLENN RANDALL Stunt Arranger PETER DIAMOND Casting MARY SELWAY BUCKLEY Location Casting DAVE EMAN, BILL LYTLE Assistants to Mr. Kazanjian KATHLEEN HARTNEY ROSS, BETTY SHARP Assistant to Mr. Bloom JOHN SYRJAMAKI Assistant to Mr. Lucas JANE BAY Assistant to Mr. Marquand LEILA KIRKPATRICK Choreographer GILLIAN GREGORY Location Choreographer WENDY ROGERS

Production Controller ARTHUR CARROLL Production Accountant MARGARET MITCHELL Production Accountant COLIN HURREN Assistant Accountants SHEALA DANIELL, BARBARA HARLEY, SIAN WILLIAMS, ALEX MATCHAM Location Accountants DIANE DANKWARDT, PINKI RAGAN, DICK WRIGHT, SUSAN ROYAL

Transportation Co-Ordinator GENE SCHWARTZ Transportation Captains JOHN FEINBLATT, H. LEE NOBLITT Studio Transportation Managers VIC MINAY, MARK LA BONGE Location Contact LENNIE FIKE Still Photographers ALBERT CLARKE, RALPH NELSON JR.                           Unit Publicist GORDON ARNELL Assistant Publicist JUNE BROOM Marketing SIDNEY GANIS, SUSAN TREMBLY Photographic Co-Ordinators BARB LAKIN, KATHY WIPPERT Research DEBORAH FINE

Special Effects Supervisor ROY ARBOGAST Special Effect Foreman WILLIAM DAVID LEE Special Effects Floor Controller IAN WINGROVE Senior Effects Technicians PETER DAWSON, RODNEY FULLER, NEIL SWAN, TREVOR NEIGHBOUR, DAVID WATSON Chief Electronics Technician RON HONE Special Effects Technicians KEN GITTENS, BARRY WHITROD, JOHN HATT, TERRY GLASS, YVES DE BONO, STEVE LLOYD, ROGER NICHOLS, PAUL KNOWLES Wire Specialists BOB HARMAN, STEVE CRAWLEY Location Special Effects KEVIN PIKE, MIKE WOOD, DAVID SIMMONS, GARY ZINK, EDDIE SURKIN, JOHN STIRBER, BRUNO VAN ZEEBROECK, JOHN CHAPOT, WILLIAM KLINGER JR. DONALD CHADLER Electrical Engineer TERRY COX Effects Co-Ordinator JOHN BAKER Effects Secretary REBECCA WEST

MINIATURE AND OPTICAL EFFECTS UNIT INDUSTRIAL LIGHT AND MAGIC

Optical Photography Supervisor BRUCE NICHOLSON Effects Cameramen DON DOW, MICHAEL J. McALISTER, BILL NEIL, SCOTT FARRAR, SELWYN EDDY III, MICHAEL OWENS, ROBERT ELSWIT, RICK FICHTER, STEWART BARBEE, MARK GREDELL, DAVID HARDBURGER Assistant Cameramen PAT SWEENEY, KIM MARKS, ROBERT HILL, RAY GILBERTI, RANDY JOHNSON, PATRICK McARDLE, PETER DAULTON, BESSIE WILEY, MARYAN EVANS, TOBY HEIDEL, DAVID FINCHER, PETER ROMANO Optical Printer Operators JOHN ELIS, DAVID BERRY, KENNETH SMITH, DONALD CLARK, MARK VARGO, JAMES LIM Optical Line-Up TOM ROSSETER, ED L. JONES, RALPH GORDON, PHILIP BARBERIO, PEG HUNTER, MARY WALTER, MICHAEL SHANNON Lab Technicians TIM GEIDEMAN, DUNCAN MYERS, MICHAEL S. MOORE

Art Directors-Visual Effects JOE JOHNSTON Production Illustrator GEORGE JENSON Stop Motion Animator TOM ST. AMAND Matte Painting Supervisor MICHAEL PANGRAZIO Matte Painting Artists CHRIS EVANS, FRANK ORDAZ Matte Photography NEIL KREPELA, CRAIG BARRON Chief Model Makers PAUL HUSTON, CHARLES BAILEY, MICHAEL GLENN FULMER, EASE OWYEUNG Model Makers WILLIAM MARSHALL, SEAN CASEY, LARRY TAN, BARBARA GALLUCCI, JEFF MANN, IRA KEELER, BILL BECK, MIKE COCHRANE, BARBARA AFFONSO, BILL BUTTERFIELD, MARCHI McMAHON, RANDY OTTENBERG, ROBERT BOVILL Modelshop Supervisors LORNE PETERSON, STEVE GAWLEY Animation Supervisor JAMES KEEFER Head Effects Animators GARRY WALLER, KIMBERLY KNOWLTON Effects Animators TERRY WINDELL, RENEE HOLT, MIKE LESSA, SAMUEL COMSTOCK, ROB LA DUCA, ANNICK THERRIEN, SUKI STERN, MARGOT PIPKIN, JOHN ARMSTRONG, REBECCA PETRULLI, DARRYL STUDBAKER, PHILIP NORWOOD

Supervising Visual Effects Editor ARTHUR REPOLA Visual Effects Editors HOWARD STEIN, PETER AMUNDSON, BILL KIMBERLIN Assistant Visual Effects Editors ROBERT CHRISOULIS, MICHAEL GLEASON, JAY IGNASZEWSKI, JOE CLASS, TERRY PECK, DANIEL CANDIB

General Manager, ILM TOM SMITH Production Supervisor PATRICIA ROSE DUIGNAN Production Co-Ordinators WARREN FRANKLIN, LAURIE VERMONT Administrative Staff CHRISSE ENGLAND, LAURA KAYSEN, PAULA KARSH, KAREN AYERS, SONJA PAULSON, KAREN DUBE, ED BREED, LES THALER, MIKE COOPER, NED GORMAN, RON FODE Production Assistants SUSAN FRITZ-MONAHAN, KATHY SHINE, GEOFFREY DeVALOIS Supervisor-Still Photography TERRY CHOSTNER Still Photographers ROBERTO McGRATH, KERRY MORDQUIST Electronic System Designers JERRY JEFFRESS, KRIS BROWN Electronic Engineers MIKE MacKENZIE, MARTY BRENNEIS Computer Graphics WILLIAM REEVES, TOM DUFF Equipment Engineering Supervisor GENE WHITEMAN Machinists UDO PAMPEL, CONRAD BONDERSON Apprentice Machinists DAVID HANKS, CHRIS RAND Design Engineer MIKE BOLLES Equipment Support Staff WADE CHILDRESS, MICHAEL J. SMITH, CRISTI McCARTHY, ED TENNLER Supervising Stage Technician TED MOEHNKE Stage Foreman PATRICK FITZSIMMONS Stage Technicians BOB FINLEY III, ED HIRSH, JOHN McLEOD, PETER STOLZ, DAVE CHILDERS, HAROLD COLE, MERLIN OHM, JOE FULMER, LANCE BRAKETT Pyrotechnicians THAINE MORRIS, DAVE PIER Steadicam Plate Photography GARRET BROWN Ultra High Speed Photography BRUCE HILL PRODUCTIONS Color Timers JIM SCHURMANN, BOB HAGANS Negative Cutter SUNRISE FILM INC.                     Additional Optical Effects LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN FILMS, PACIFIC TITLE, MONACO FILM LABS, CALIFORNIA FILM, VISUAL CONCEPTS ENGINEERING, MOVIE MAGIC, VAN der VEER PHOTO EFFECTS

EWOKS

MARGO APOSTOCOS LINDA BOWLEY RAY ARMSTRONG PETER BURROUGHS EILEEN BAKER DEBBIE CARRINGTON MICHAEL H. BALHAM MAUREEN CHARLTON BOBBIE BELL WILLIAM COPPEN PATTY BELL SADIE CORRIE ALAN BENNETT TONY COX SARAH BENNETT JOHN CUMMING PAMELA BETTS JEAN D'AGOSTINO DAN BLACKNER LUIS DE JESUS DEBBIE DIXON JOHN LUMMISS MARGARITA FERNANDEZ NANCY MACLEAN PHIL FONDACARO PETER MANDELL SAL FONDACARO CAROLE MORRIS TONY FRIEL STACY NICHOLS DAN FRISHMAN CHRIS NUNN JOHN GAVAM BARBARA O'LAUGHLIN MICHAEL GILDEN BRIAN ORENSTIEN PAUL GRANT HARRELL PARKER JR. LARS GREEN JOHN PEDRICK LYDIA GREEN APRIL PERKINS PAM GRIZZ RONNIE PHILLIPS ANDREW HERD KATIE PERVIS J. J. JACKSON CAROL READ GLYNN JONES NICHOLAS READ RICHARD JONES DIANA REYNOLDS TREVOR JONES DANIEL RODGERS KAREN LAY CHRIS ROMANO DEAN SHACKENFORD JOSEPHINE STADDON KIRAN SHAH KEVIN THOMPSON FELIX SILLA KENDRA WALL LINDA SPRIGGS BRIAN WHEELER GERARLD STADDON BUTCH WILHELM

Mime Artists FRANK ANDERSON, AILSA BERK, SEAN CRAWFORD, ANDY CUNNINGHAM, TIM DRY, GRAEME HATTRICK, PHIL HERBERT, GERALD HOME, PAUL SPRINGER

Stunt Performers BOB ANDERSON, DIRK YOHAN BEER, MORC BOYLE, MIKE CASSIDY, TRACY EDDON, SANDRA GROSS, TED GROSSMAN, FRANK HENSON, LARRY HOLT, BILL HORRIGAN, ALF JOINT, JULIUS LEFLORE, COLIN SKEAPING, MALCOM WEAVER, PAUL WESTON, BOB YERKES, DAN ZORMEIER

Thanks to the U.S. Department of Interior Bureau of Land Management and National Park Service Photographed in Buttercup Valley, Death Valley, and Smith River, California and EMI-Elstree Studios, Borehamwood, England Cameras and Lenses by Joe Dunton Cameras Ltd.      Aerial Camera System by Wesscam Camera Systems (Europe) Lighting Equipment and Crew from Lee Electic Ltd.      Production Vehicles Courtesy of GMC Truck and Oldsmobile Location Service by Cinemobile Air Transportation by PAN AM Re-Recording at Sprocket Systems Music Recoring at Anvil-Abbey Road Studio Special Visual Effects Produced at Industrial Light and Magic, Marin County, California Color by Rank Film Laboratories Prints by Deluxe

Recorded in DOLBY STEREO

A Lucasfilm Ltd. Production A Twentieth Century-Fox Release

Music Performed by the London Symphony Orchestra

Original Soundtrack on RSO Records and Tapes Novelization from Ballantine Books TM & Lucasfilm Ltd (LFL) 1983 All Rights Reserved MPAA CODE NO. 26991 MPAA RATING: PG Running Time: 2 hours 13 minutes Return to Star Wars Return Of The Jedi Return to Star Wars Return to SS Online Universe Home

Episode V Script adaptation by Lawrence Kasdan and Leigh Brackett from a story by George Lucas LUCASFILM LTD.

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

It is a dark time for the Rebellion. Although the Death Star has been destroyed, Imperial troops have driven the Rebel forces from their hidden base and pursued them across the galaxy. Evading the dreaded Imperial Starfleet, a group of freedom fighters led by Luke Skywalker has established a new secret base on the remote ice world of Hoth. The evil lord Darth Vader, obsessed with finding young Skywalker, has dispatched thousands of remote probes into the far reaches of space...

EXTERIOR: GALAXY -- PLANET HOTH

A Star Destroyer moves through space, releasing Imperial probe robots from its underside. One of these probes zooms toward the planet Hoth and lands on its ice-covered surface. An explosion marks the point of       impact.

EXTERIOR: HOTH -- METEORITE CRATER -- SNOW PLAIN -- DAY

A weird mechanical sound rises above the whining of the wind. A strange probe robot, with several extended sensors, emerges from the smoke-shrouded crater. The ominous mechanical probe floats across the snow plain and disappears into the distance.

EXTERIOR: PLAIN OF HOTH -- DAY

A small figure gallops across the windswept ice slope. The bundled rider is mounted on a large gray snow lizard, a       Tauntaun. Curving plumes of snow rise from beneath the speeding paws of the two-legged beast. The rider gallops up a slope and reins his lizard to a       stop. Pulling off his protective goggles, Luke Skywalker notices something in the sky. He takes a pair of       electrobinoculars from his utility belt and through them sees smoke rising from where the probe robot has crashed. The wind whips at Luke's fur-lined cap and he activates a       comlink transmitter. His Tauntaun shifts and moans nervously beneath him.

LUKE: (into comlink) Echo Three to Echo Seven. Han, old buddy, do you read me? After a little static a familiar voice is heard.

HAN: (over comlink) Loud and clear, kid. What's up?

LUKE: (into comlink) Well, I finished my circle. I don't pick up any life readings.

HAN: (over comlink) There isn't enough life on this ice cube to fill a space cruiser. The sensors are placed. I'm going back.

LUKE: (into comlink) Right. I'll see you shortly. There's a meteorite that hit the ground near here. I want to check it out. It won't take long.

Luke clicks off his transmitter and reins back on his nervous lizard. He pats the beast on the head to calm it.

LUKE: Hey, steady girl. What's the matter? You smell something?

Luke takes a small device from his belt and starts to       adjust it when suddenly a large shadow falls over him from behind. He hears a monstrous howl and turns to see an eleven- foot-tall shape towering over him. It is a Wampa Ice Creature, lunging at him ferociously.

LUKE: Aaargh!

Luke grabs for his pistol, but is hit flat in the face by a       huge white claw. He falls unconscious into the snow and in a       moment the terrified screams of the Tauntaun are cut short by        the horrible snap of a neck being broken. The Wampa Ice Creature grabs Luke by one ankle and drags him away across the frozen plain.

EXTERIOR: HOTH -- REBEL BASE ENTRANCE -- DAY

A stalwart figure rides his Tauntaun up to the entrance of an enormous ice cave.

INTERIOR: HOTH -- REBEL BASE -- MAIN HANGAR DECK

Rebel troopers rush about unloading supplies and otherwise securing their new base. The rider, Han Solo, swings off his lizard and pulls off his goggles. He walks into the main hangar deck toward the Millennium Falcon, which is parked among several fighters. Mechanics, R2       units, and various other droids hurry about. Han stops at the Millennium Falcon where his Wookiee copilot, Chewbacca, is       welding on a central lifter. Chewie stops his work and lifts his face shield, growling an irritated greeting to his boss.

HAN: Chewie!

The Wookiee grumbles a reply.

HAN: All right, don't lose your temper. I'll come right back and give you a hand.

Chewbacca puts his mask back on and returns to his welding as Han leaves.

INTERIOR: HOTH -- REBEL BASE -- COMMAND CENTER

A makeshift command center has been set up in a blasted area of thick ice. The low-ceilinged room is a beehive of activity. Controllers, troops, and droids move about setting up       electronic equipment and monitoring radar signals. General Rieekan straightens up from a console at Han's       approach.

RIEEKAN: Solo?

HAN: No sign of life out there, General. The sensors are in place. You'll know if anything comes around.

RIEEKAN: Commander Skywalker reported in yet?

HAN: No. He's checking out a meteorite that hit near him.

RIEEKAN: (indicates radar screen) With all the meteor activity in this system, it's going to be difficult to spot approaching ships.

Taking a deep breath, Han blurts out what is on his mind.

HAN: General, I've got to leave. I can't stay anymore.

Princess Leia, standing at a console nearby, is dressed in a       short white combat jacket and pants. Her hair is braided across her head in a Nordic fashion. She overhears their conversation and seems somewhat distressed.

RIEEKAN: I'm sorry to hear that.

HAN: Well, there's a price on my head. If I don't pay off Jabba the Hut, I'm a dead man.

RIEEKAN: A death mark's not an easy thing to live with. You're a good fighter, Solo. I hate to lose you.

HAN: Thank you, General.

He turns to Leia as Rieekan moves away.

HAN: (with feeling) Well, Your Highness, I guess this is it.

LEIA: That's right.

Leia is angry. Han sees she has no warmth to offer him. He       shakes his head and adopts a sarcastic tone.

HAN: (cooly) Well, don't get all mushy on me. So long, Princess.

Han walks away into the quiet corridor adjoining the command center. Leia stews a moment, then hurries after him.

INTERIOR: HOTH -- REBEL BASE -- ICE CORRIDOR

LEIA: Han!

Han stops in the corridor and turns to face Leia.

HAN: Yes, Your Highnessness?

LEIA: I thought you decided to stay.

HAN: Well, the bounty hunter we ran into on Ord Mantell changed my mind.

LEIA: Han, we need you!

HAN: We?

LEIA: Yes.

HAN: Oh, what about you need?

LEIA: (mystified) I need? I don't know what you're talking about.

HAN: (shakes his head, fed up) You probably don't.

LEIA: And what precisely am I supposed to know?

HAN: Come on! You want me to stay because of the way you feel about me.

LEIA: Yes. You're a great help to us. You're a natural leader...

HAN: No! That's not it. Come on. Aahhh -- uh huh! Come on.

Leia stares at him, understanding, then laughs.

LEIA: You're imagining things.

HAN: Am I? Then why are you following me? Afraid I was going to leave without giving you a goodbye kiss?

LEIA: I'd just as soon kiss a Wookiee.

HAN: I can arrange that. You could use a good kiss!

Angrily, Han strides down the corridor as Leia stares after him.

INTERIOR: HOTH -- REBEL BASE -- ANOTHER ICE CORRIDOR

A familiar stream of beeps and whistles herald the approach of Artoo-Detoo and See-Threepio, who appear around a corner and move along an ice wall toward the main hangar.

THREEPIO: Don't try to blame me. I didn't ask you to turn on the thermal heater. I merely commented that it was freezing in the princess's chamber. But it's supposed to be freezing. How are we going to dry out all her clothes? I really don't know.

Artoo beeps a stream of protesting whistles.

THREEPIO: Oh, switch off.

INTERIOR: HOTH -- REBEL BASE -- MAIN HANGAR DECK

The two robots stop at Han Solo's space freighter. Han and Chewie are struggling with their central lifters.

HAN: (to Chewie) Why do you take this apart now? I'm trying to get us out of here and you pull both of these.

Chewie grumbles in irritation.

THREEPIO: Excuse me, sir.

HAN: (to Chewie) Put them back together right now.

THREEPIO: Might I have a word with you, please?

HAN: What do you want?

THREEPIO: Well, it's Princess Leia, sir. She's been trying to get you on the communicator.

HAN: I turned it off. I don't want to talk to her.

THREEPIO: Oh. Well, Princess Leia is wondering about Master Luke. He hasn't come back yet. She doesn't know where he is.

HAN: I don't know where he is.

THREEPIO: Nobody knows where he is.

HAN: What do you mean, "nobody knows"?

Han glances at the fading light at the entrance of the ice cave as night slowly begins to fall on the planet.

THREEPIO: Well, uh, you see...

Han jumps down off the lift, as Threepio follows him.

HAN: Deck Officer. Deck Officer!

THREEPIO: Excuse me, sir. Might I inqu-...

Han abruptly puts his hand over Threepio's mouth as the deck officer approaches.

DECK OFFICER: Yes, sir?

HAN: Do you know where Commander Skywalker is?

DECK OFFICER: I haven't seen him. It's possible he came in through the south entrance.

HAN: It's possible? Why don't you go find out? It's getting dark out there.

DECK OFFICER: Yes, sir.

The deck officer leaves hurriedly, as Han takes his hand off Threepio's mouth.

THREEPIO: Excuse me, sir. Might I inquire what's going on?

HAN: Why not?

THREEPIO: Impossible man. Come along, Artoo, lets find Princess Leia. Between ourselves, I think Master Luke is in considerable danger.

INTERIOR: HOTH -- REBEL BASE -- MAIN ICE TUNNEL

The deck officer and his assistant hurry toward Han as he       enters the tunnel.

DECK OFFICER: Sir, Commander Skywalker hasn't come in through the south entrance. He might have forgotten to check in.

HAN: Not likely. Are the speeders ready?

DECK OFFICER: Not yet. We're having some trouble adapting them to the cold.

HAN: Then we'll have to go out on Tauntauns.

DECK OFFICER: Sir, the temperature's dropping too rapidly.

HAN: That's right. And my friends out in it.

ASSISTANT OFFICER: I'll cover sector twelve. Have com-control set screen alpha.

Han pushes through the troops and mounts a Tauntaun.

DECK OFFICER: Your Tauntaun'll freeze before you reach the first marker.

HAN: Then I'll see you in hell!

Han maneuvers his mount out of the cave and races into the dark bitter night.

EXTERIOR: HOTH -- ICE GORGE -- DUSK

The jagged face of a huge ice wall sits gloomily in the dim twilight of a Hoth day. Luke hangs upside down, ankles frozen into icy stalactites, his extended arms within a foot of the snow floor. One side of his face is covered in a dried mask of       frozen blood. He opens his eyes as a chilling moan of the hideous ice creature echoes off the gorge walls. Luke pulls himself up, grabs hold of his ankles, and futilely tries to       unfasten the throngs. Exhausted, he drops back into his hanging position. As he       hangs there, he spies his lightsaber lying near a pile of his discarded gear, about three feet out of reach. He focuses on the saber and, as his hand strains toward the weapon, he squeezes his eyes tight in concentration. Just as the ice creature looms over Luke, the lightsaber jumps into Luke's hand. The young warrior instantly ignites his sword, swinging up, and cuts himself loose from the ice. He flops to the snow in a       heap. The startled creature moves back, his giant yellow eyes blinking. Luke scrambles to his feet. He swings his lightsaber and the beast screams in pain.

EXTERIOR: HOTH -- ENTRANCE TO ICE GORGE -- DUSK

Luke staggers out of the gorge into the dark and snowy twilight. Weak and exhausted, he stumbles down a snow bank.

EXTERIOR: HOTH -- SNOW PLAIN -- DUSK

A small, lone figure riding a Tauntaun races through the hostile vastness of snow and cold. As it runs, the Tauntaun's       legs kick up large clouds of snow and ice into the snowy air.

EXTERIOR: HOTH -- OUTSIDE ICE HANGAR -- DUSK

Artoo stands in the falling snow, beeping worriedly. Threepio moves stiffly over to him.

THREEPIO: You must come along now, Artoo. There's really nothing more we can do. And my joints are freezing up.

Artoo beeps, long and low.

THREEPIO: Don't say thing like that! Of course we'll see Master Luke again. He'll be quite all right, you'll see. (to himself) Stupid little short-circuit. He'll be quite all right.

Threepio turns to go back inside the main hangar as Artoo mournfully keeps his vigil.

EXTERIOR: HOTH -- SNOW DRIFT -- DUSK

The wind is blowing quite strong now. Luke struggles to       stay upright, but a blast of freezing snow knocks him over. He       struggles to get up, but he can't. The young warrior from Tatooine drags himself a couple of feet and then collapses.

INTERIOR: REBEL BASE -- MAIN HANGAR DECK -- ENTRANCE -- NIGHT

Princess Leia stands inside the dark entrance to the Rebel base, waiting for a sign of the two Rebel heroes. She shivers in the cold wind as, nearby, Chewie sits with his head in his hands. In the background, Artoo and Threepio move through the doors. A Rebel lieutenant moves to Major Derlin, an officer keeping watch with the princess.

LIEUTENANT: Sir, all the patrols are in. There's still no contact from Skywalker or Solo.

THREEPIO: Mistress Leia, Artoo says he's been quite unable to pick up any signals, although he does admit that his own range is far too weak to abandon all hope.

Leia nods an acknowledgment, but she is lost in thought.

DERLIN: Your Highness, there's nothing more we can do tonight. The shield doors must be closed.

He turns to the lieutenant.

DERLIN: Close the doors.

LIEUTENANT: Yes, sir.

The lieutenant walks away. Chewie lets out a long, mournful howl, somewhat like a coyote. At the same moment, Artoo begins a complex series of efficient beeps.

THREEPIO: Artoo says the chances of survival are seven hundred seventy-five...to one.

Leia stands praying to herself as the huge metal doors slam across the entrance of the ice cave. The loud booms echo throughout the huge cavern. Chewie lets out another suffering howl.

THREEPIO: Actually, Artoo has been known to make mistakes...from time to time. Oh, dear, oh, dear. Don't worry about Master Luke. I'm sure he'll be all right. He's quite clever, you know...for a human being.

EXTERIOR: HOTH -- SNOW DRIFT -- DUSK

Luke lies face down in the snow, nearly unconscious. Slowly he looks up and sees Ben Kenobi, barely visible through the blowing snow. It is hard to tell if Kenobi is real or a       hallucination.

BEN: Luke...Luke.

LUKE: (weakly) Ben?

BEN: You will go to the Dagobah system.

LUKE: Dagobah system?

BEN: There you will learn from Yoda, the Jedi Master who instructed me.

The image of Ben fades, revealing a lone Tauntaun rider approaching from the windswept horizon.

LUKE: (groaning faintly) Ben...Ben.

Luke drops into unconsciousness. Han pulls up and leaps off his mount. He hurries to his snow-covered friend, cradling him in his arms. Han's Tauntaun lets out a low, pitiful bellow. But Han's concern is with Luke, and he shakes him urgently.

HAN: Luke! Luke! Don't do this, Luke. Come on, give me a sign here.

Luke doesn't respond. Han begins frantically rubbing and slapping Luke's unconscious face. As he starts to lift the youth, Han hears a rasping sound behind him. He turns, just in       time to see his Tauntaun stagger and then fall over into the snow. Han carries Luke to the moaning beast. Then, with a final groan, the Tauntaun expires.

HAN: Not much time.

He pushes Luke's inert form against the belly of the dead beast.

LUKE: (moaning) Ben...Ben...

HAN: Hang on, kid.

LUKE: Dagobah system...

Han ignites Luke's saber and cuts the beast from head to       toe. He quickly tosses it's steaming innards into the snow, then lifts Luke's inert form and stuffs him inside the carcass.

HAN: (reeling from the odor) Whew...

LUKE: Dagobah...

HAN: This may smell bad, kid...

LUKE: (moaning) Yoda...

HAN: ...but it will keep you warm...til I get the shelter built. (struggling to get Luke in the carcass) Ooh...I thought they smelled bad on the outside!

The wind has picked up considerably, making it difficult to       move. Han removes a pack from the dead creature's back, taking out a shelter container. He begins to set up what can only be       a pitiful protection against a bitter Hoth night.

EXTERIOR: HOTH -- SNOWDRIFT -- DAWN

Four snub-nosed armored snowspeeders race across the white landscape.

INTERIOR: SNOWSPEEDER COCKPIT

There is only one pilot, Zev, in the enclosed two-man craft. He concentrates on the scopes which ring his cockpit. He hears a low beep from one of his monitors.

ZEV: (into transmitter) Echo Base...I've got something! Not much, but it could be a life form.

EXTERIOR: HOTH -- SNOWDRIFT

The small craft banks and makes a slow arc, then races off in a new direction.

INTERIOR: SNOWSPEEDER -- COCKPIT

The pilot switches over to a new transmitter.

ZEV: (into transmitter) This is Rouge Two. this is Rouge Two. Captain Solo, so you copy? Commander Skywalker, do you copy? This is Rouge Two.

There is a sharp crackle of static, then a faint voice.

HAN: (filtered over Zev's receiver) Good morning. Nice of you guys to drop by.

ZEV: (switching transmitters) Echo Base...this is Rouge Two. I found them. Repeat, I found them.

EXTERIOR: HOTH -- SNOWDRIFT -- DAY

The small shelter Han set up is covered with snow on the windward side. A makeshift antenna rests gingerly on top the snowdrift. Han spots Zev's snowspeeder approaching in the distance, and begins waving his arms frantically at the tiny craft.

INTERIOR: REBEL BASE -- MEDICAL CENTER

Strange robot surgeons adjust a mass of electronic equipment. A switch is thrown and a sudden blinding flash obscures Luke in a bacta tank filled with a thick, gelatinous slime. He begins to thrash about, raving in delirium.

INTERIOR: REBEL BASE -- MEDICAL CENTER -- RECOVERY ROOM

Luke sits up in a recovery-room bed, weak but smiling. His face shows terrible wounds from the Wampa's attack. Threepio and Artoo enter the room.

THREEPIO: Master Luke, sir, it's good to see you fully functional again.

Artoo beeps his good wishes.

THREEPIO: Artoo expresses his relief, also.

Han and Chewie make their entrance. The Wookiee growls a       greeting.

HAN: How are you feeling, kid? You don't look so bad to me. In fact, you look strong enough to pull the ears off a Gundark.

LUKE: Thanks to you.

HAN: That's two you owe me, junior.

Han turns as Leia enters the room. He looks at her with a       big, devilish grin.

HAN: Well your Worship, looks like you managed to keep me around for a little while longer.

LEIA: (haughtily) I had nothing to do with it. General Rieekan thinks it's dangerous for any ships to leave the system until we've activated the energy shield.

HAN: That's a good story. I think you just can't bear to let a gorgeous guy like me out of your sight.

LEIA: I don't know where you get you delusions, laser brain.

Chewie is amused; he laughs in his manner. Han, enjoying himself, regards Chewie good-humoredly.

HAN: Laugh it up, fuzz ball. But you didn't see us alone in the south passage.

Luke sparks to this; he looks at Leia.

HAN: She expressed her true feelings for me.

Leia is flushed, eyes darting between Luke and Han.

LEIA: My...! Why, you stuck up,...half-witted,...scruffy-looking... nerf-herder!

HAN: Who's scruffy-looking? (to Luke) I must have hit her pretty close to the mark to get her all riled up like that, huh, kid?

Leia looks vulnerable for a moment, then the mask falls again, and she focuses on Luke.

LEIA: Why, I guess you don't know everything about women yet?

With that she leans over and kisses Luke on the lips. Then she turns on her heel and walks out, leaving everyone in the room slightly dumbstruck. With some smugness, Luke puts his hands behind his head and grins. Suddenly, in the distance, the muffled sound of an alarm is       heard.

ANNOUNCER: (over loudspeaker) Headquarters personnel, report to command center.

The voice repeats the order and Han, Chewie, Artoo, and Threepio hurry out of the room, bidding farewell to Luke.

HAN: Take it easy.

THREEPIO: Excuse us, please.

INTERIOR: HOTH -- REBEL BASE -- COMMAND CENTER

Rieekan looks up grimly from a console screen. He calls over to Leia and Han.

RIEEKAN: Princess...we have a visitor.

The group hurries over to Rieekan.

RIEEKAN: We've picked up something outside the base in zone twelve, moving east.

SENIOR CONTROLLER: It's metal.

LEIA: Then it couldn't be one of those creatures that attacked Luke.

HAN: It could be a speeder, one of ours.

SENIOR CONTROLLER: No. Wait -- there's something very weak coming through.

Threepio steps up to the control panel and listens intently to the strange signal.

THREEPIO: Sir, I am fluent in six million forms of communication. This signal is not used by the Alliance. It could be an Imperial code.

The transmission ends in static.

HAN: It isn't friendly, whatever it is. Come on, Chewie, let's check it out.

RIEEKAN: Send Rouges Ten and Eleven to station three-eight.

EXTERIOR: HOTH -- SNOW PLAIN -- DAY

The dark probe robot moves past the smoldering ruins of       station three-eight and down a ridge toward the Rebel base. It       raises a large antenna from the top of its head and begins to        send out a piercing signal. The probe droid has spotted Chewbacca who, not thirty feet away, has popped his head over a snow bank. Instantly, the probe robot swings around, its deadly ray ready to fire. But before it can get a shot off, it is hit from behind by a laser bolt, and explodes in a million pieces. Han Solo replaces his blaster in its holster and peers intently at the smoldering remains of the Imperial probe.

INTERIOR: HOTH -- REBEL BASE -- COMMAND CENTER

Leia and Rieekan listen to Han on the comlink.

HAN: (over comlink) Afraid there's not much left.

LEIA: (into comlink) What was it?

HAN: (over comlink) Droid of some kind. I didn't hit it that hard. It must have had a self-destruct.

LEIA: (into comlink) An Imperial probe droid.

HAN: (over comlink) It's a good bet the Empire knows we're here.

RIEEKAN: We'd better start the evacuation.

EXTERIOR: SPACE -- IMPERIAL FLEET

Darth Vader's Star Destroyer, larger and more awesome than the five Imperial Star Destroyers that surround it, sits in       the vastness of space. The six huge ships are surrounded by a       convoy of smaller spacecraft. TIE fighters dart to and fro.

INTERIOR: DARTH VADER'S STAR DESTROYER -- BRIDGE -- MAIN CONTROL DECK

Controllers working the vast complex of electronic controls hear ominous approaching footsteps and look up from their controls. The squat, evil-looking Admiral Ozzel and the young, powerfully built General Veers, who have been conferring near the front, also feel the approaching presence and turn toward it. Darth Vader, Lord of the Sith, enters like a chill wind. As Vader moves across the wide bridge, Captain Piett hurries up to Ozzel.

PIETT: Admiral.

OZZEL: Yes, Captain

PIETT: I think we've got something, sir. The report is only a fragment from a probe droid in the Hoth system, but it's the best lead we've had.

OZZEL: (irritated) We have thousands of probe droids searching the galaxy. I want proof, not leads!

PIETT: The visuals indicate life readings.

OZZEL: It could mean anything. If we followed every lead...

PIETT: But, sir, the Hoth system is supposed to be devoid of human forms.

Vader moves to a large screen showing an image of the Rebel snow base. Rebel speeders can be seen approaching the base in       the distance.

VADER: You found something?

PIETT: Yes, my lord.

VADER: (studying the image on the console screen) That's it. The Rebels are there.

OZZEL: My lord, there are so many uncharted settlements. It could be smugglers, it could be...

VADER: That is the system. And I'm sure Skywalker is with them. Set your course for the Hoth system. General Veers, prepare you men.

INTERIOR: HOTH -- REBEL BASE -- TRANSPORT BAY

A captain issues instructions to two of his men at the entrance to the main transport bay. Several Rebel transports behind them are being loaded by men carrying heavy boxes and moving quickly, but not in panic.

REBEL CAPTAIN: Groups seven and ten will stay behind to fly the speeders. As soon as each transport is loaded, evacuation control will give clearance for immediate launch.

REBEL FIGHTER: Right, sir.

INTERIOR: HOTH -- REBEL BASE -- MAIN HANGAR DECK

Alarms sound. Troops, ground crews, and droids rush to       their alert stations. Armored snowspeeders are lined up in       attack formation near the main entrance. In the midst of all this activity, Han does some frantic welding on the lifters of the Millennium Falcon. Han finishes his work and hops down to the hangar floor. He       pulls out his comlink, all the while eyeing problematic lifters.

HAN: (into comlink, to Chewie) Okay, that's it. Try it...Off! Turn it off! Turn it off! Off!

Smoke rises from a minor explosion on the lifter. Exasperated, Han surveys the new damage.

INTERIOR: REBEL BASE -- MEDICAL CENTER

Luke dresses in readiness for the evacuation as his attending medical droid stands by.

MEDICAL DROID: Sir, it will take quite awhile to evacuate the T-forty- sevens.

LUKE: Well, forget the heavy equipment. There's plenty of time to get the smaller modules on the transports.

MEDICAL DROID: Take care, sir.

LUKE: Thanks.

INTERIOR: REBEL BASE -- MAIN HANGAR DECK

Pilots, gunners, and R2 units scurry about. Luke, pulling on his heavy-weather jacket, is headed toward a row of armored speeders. He stops at the rear of the Millennium Falcon, where Han and Chewie are trying to repair the right lifter with even more haste than before.

LUKE: Chewie, take care of yourself, okay?

As Luke pats Chewie on the arm, Chewie puts his arms around Luke and gives him a tight hug. Han is discussing the lifter with a repair droid when he sees Luke.

HAN: Hi, kid. (to droid) There's got to be a reason for it. Check it at the other end. Wait a second. (to Luke) You all right?

LUKE: Yeah.

HAN: Be careful.

LUKE: You, too.

Luke smiles, then waves at his friend and walks on. After a       few steps, he stops and looks back. Han glances up and the two exchange a silent communication, each wishing the other safety, happiness -- many things, all difficult to verbalize.

INTERIOR: REBEL BASE -- CONTROL ROOM.

Alarms sound throughout the hidden Rebel base. In the control room, a controller urgently gestures for General Rieekan to check a computer scan.

CONTROLLER: General, there's a fleet of Star Destroyers coming out of hyperspace in sector four.

RIEEKAN: Reroute all power to the energy shield. We've got to hold them till all transports are away. Prepare for ground assault.

Rieekan exits hurriedly.

INTERIOR: VADER'S STAR DESTROYER -- VADER'S CHAMBER -- MEDITATION CUBICLE

The dark cubicle is illuminated by a single shaft of light which falls on the brooding Dark Lord as he sits on a raised meditation cube. General Veers enters the room and approaches the silent, unmoving Vader. Although seemingly very sure of       himself, Veers is still not bold enough to interrupt the meditating lord. The younger general stands quietly at       attention until the evil presence speaks.

VADER: What is it, General?

VEERS: My lord, the fleet has moves out of light-speed. Com-Scan has detected an energy field protecting an area around the sixth planet of the Hoth system. The field is strong enough to deflect any bombardment.

VADER: (angrily) The Rebels are alerted to our presence. Admiral Ozzel came out of light-speed too close to the system.

VEERS: He felt surprise was wiser...

VADER: He is as clumsy as he is stupid. General, prepare your troops for a surface attack.

VEERS: Yes, my lord.

Veers turns smartly and leaves as Vader activates a large viewscreen showing the bridge of his mighty ship. Admiral Ozzel appears on the viewscreen, standing slightly in front of       Captain Piett.

OZZEL: Lord Vader, the fleet has moved out of light-speed, and we're preparing to...Aaagh!

VADER: You have failed me for the last time, Admiral. Captain Piett.

Piett steps forward, as the admiral moves away, slightly confused, touching his throat as it begins to constrict painfully.

PIETT: Yes, my lord.

VADER: Make ready to land out troops beyond the energy shield and deploy the fleet so that nothing gets off that system. You are in command now, Admiral Piett.

PIETT: Thank you, Lord Vader.

Piett's pleasure about his unexpected promotion is not an       unmixed emotion. He glances warily at the struggling Admiral Ozzel who, with a final choke, stumbles and falls in a       lifeless heap before him.

INTERIOR: REBEL BASE -- MAIN HANGAR DECK

With a sense of urgency, Leia quickly briefs a group of       pilots gathered in the center of the hangar.

LEIA: All troop carriers will assemble at the north entrance. The heavy transport ships will leave as soon as they're loaded. Only two fighter escorts per ship. The energy shield can only be opened for a short time, so you'll have to stay very close to your transports.

HOBBIE: Two fighters against a Star Destroyer?

LEIA: The ion cannon will fire several shots to make sure that any enemy ships will be out of your flight path. When you've gotten past the energy shield, proceed directly to the rendezvous point. Understood?

PILOTS: (in unison) Right. Okay.

LEIA: Good luck.

DERLIN: Okay. Everyone to your stations. Let's go!

The pilots hurry away.

EXTERIOR: HOTH -- ICE PLAIN -- SNOW TRENCH -- DAY

Rebel troops carry heavy bazooka-type weapons and position them along the snow trench. Men hurriedly respond to their officers' yelled orders and brace themselves against the rhythmic gusts of bitter-cold wind. Other troops load power packs into a gun turret and swing its guns into position.

EXTERIOR: HOTH -- ICE PLAIN -- POWER GENERATORS

Near the base power generators, troops rush to set up their heavy battle equipment. Buzzing loudly, the generators send along, sparking fingers of energy into the bitter Hoth wind.

INTERIOR: REBEL BASE -- COMMAND CENTER

The long line of Rebel controllers is tense, as are Princess Leia and General Rieekan, who are trying very hard not to show any fear.

RIEEKAN: Their primary target will be the power generators. Prepare to open the shield.

EXTERIOR: ICE PLAIN

The Rebel transport and two escort fighters begin their departure from the ice planet.

EXTERIOR: SPACE -- IMPERIAL STAR DESTROYER

A huge Imperial Star Destroyer rest against a sea of stars, far above the white surface of the planet Hoth.

INTERIOR: IMPERIAL STAR DESTROYER -- BRIDGE

An Imperial controller approaches his commander.

CONTROLLER: Sir, Rebel ships are coming into our sector.

CAPTAIN: Good. Our first catch of the day.

INTERIOR: REBEL BASE -- COMMAND CENTER

WOMAN CONTROLLER: Stand by, ion control....Fire!

EXTERIOR: REBEL BASE ICE CAVE -- ION CANNON

The giant ball-shaped ion cannon rotates into position and blasts two red energy beams skyward.

EXTERIOR: SPACE -- HOTH -- REBEL TRANSPORT

The Rebel transport and its escort race away from the white planet, closely followed by the two red energy beams. As the Rebel transport races toward the waiting Imperial Star Destroyer, it is overtaken by the two scarlet energy bolts. The Imperial Star Destroyer is hit in the conning tower by the powerful bolts, which set up fiery explosions on its metal hull. The big Star Destroyer veers, then spins wildly out of       control. As the Imperial ship careers into deep space, the Rebel transport races away to safety.

INTERIOR: REBEL BASE -- MAIN HANGAR DECK

Pilots, gunners, and troopers hurry to their stations and their vehicles.

ANNOUNCER: (over loudspeaker) The first transport is away.

Everyone cheers at the announcement, which echoes through the hangar. Luke turns and walks on, heading toward his snowspeeder. His gunner, Dack, a fresh-faced, eager kid, is       glad to see him. They climb in.

DACK: Feeling all right, sir?

LUKE: Just like new, Dack. How about you?

DACK: Right now I feel I could take on the whole Empire myself.

LUKE: (quietly, strapping in) I know what you mean.

EXTERIOR: HOTH -- ICE PLAIN

A thin horizon line cuts across the bleak landscape. Small dot-size objects begin to appear on the horizon, moving in the direction of the Rebel base.

EXTERIOR: HOTH -- ICE PLAIN -- SNOW TRENCH

A Rebel officer lifts a pair of electrobinoculars to his eyes. Through the lens he sees a very close view of a giant Imperial snow walker. He adjusts the view which then zooms back to reveal three more of the ominous battle machines. Small flashes of yellow fire billow from the guns of the lumbering snow walkers. The officer lowers his binoculars as the regular rhythmic pounding begins to make the ground vibrate. The pounding grows louder and is accompanied by a high-pitched, metallic rattling. The officer speaks into his comlink.

TRENCH OFFICER: Echo Station Three-T-Eight.

INTERIOR: REBEL BASE -- CORRIDOR

Pilots and gunners race to their waiting snowspeeders. Ice and snow begin falling from the walls of the corridor, shaken by the pounding Imperial snow walker as they draw ever nearer.

TRENCH OFFICER: (over comlink) We have spotted Imperial walkers!

CONTROLLER: Imperial walkers on the north ridge.

EXTERIOR: HOTH -- ICE PLAIN -- SNOW TRENCH

The Rebel troops aim their weapons at the horizon as       explosions erupt all around them. They are nervous and their grip on their weapons tightens from the cold and from fear. Behind the troops a dozen snowspeeders race through the sky.

INTERIOR: LUKE'S SNOWSPEEDER, ROUGE LEADER -- COCKPIT

LUKE: (into comlink) Echo station Five-Seven. We're on our way.

EXTERIOR: HOTH -- ICE PLAIN -- BATTLEFIELD

The fleet of snowspeeders races above the ice field at full throttle. They accelerate away from the base and head toward the distant walkers.

INTERIOR: LUKE'S SNOWSPEEDER, ROUGE LEADER -- COCKPIT

LUKE: (into comlink) All right, boys, keep tight now.

DACK: Luke, I have no approach vector. I'm not set.

LUKE: Steady, Dack. Attack pattern delta. Go now!

EXTERIOR: HOTH -- ICE PLAIN -- BATTLEFIELD

The cannons mounted on the walker head fire at the speeders. Other walkers loom in the background. Two speeders race away past two of the enormous walkers and bank to the right.

INTERIOR: LUKE'S SNOWSPEEDER, ROUGE LEADER -- COCKPIT

LUKE: All right, I'm coming in.

He turns his speeder and heads directly at one of the walkers, flying toward its towering legs. The horizon twists as the speeder banks between the legs.

LUKE: (into comlink) Hobbie, you still with me?

EXTERIOR: HOTH -- ICE PLAIN -- BATTLEFIELD

Two speeders race directly at the head of a walker, then split and fly past it. Three other walkers march onward, firing all cannons.

EXTERIOR: HOTH -- ICE PLAIN -- SNOWTRENCH

Rebel troops fire on the approaching walkers, as the snow and ice explode all around them.

EXTERIOR: HOTH -- ICE PLAIN -- BATTLEFIELD

A speeder banks through and away from the legs of a walker. Two other speeders pass the first speeder from the opposite direction. Other Rebel craft race just above the icy plain. A giant walker head swivels and fires, striking a       snowspeeder and sending it crashing in a ball of flames.

INTERIOR: IMPERIAL SNOW WALKER -- COCKPIT

General Veers and two walker pilots keep a careful eye on       the racing Rebel snowspeeders as they maneuver their lumbering war machine forward. Luke's speeder banks in from the side of Veers's walker and heads straight for its viewport, blasting away. An explosion hits the walker window, but dissipates, doing no harm. The speeder roars up and over the impregnable war machine.

INTERIOR: LUKE'S SNOWSPEEDER, ROUGE LEADER -- COCKPIT

Luke looks back at the walker as it grows smaller in the distance.

LUKE: That armor's too strong for blasters.

On the horizon, another walker moves up past Luke's cockpit window, twisting out of sight as Luke banks and starts another run.

LUKE: (into comlink) Rouge Group, use your harpoons and tow cables. Go for the legs. It might be our only chance of stopping them. (to Dack) All right, stand by, Dack.

Dack is at the gunner's controls.

DACK: Luke, we've got a malfunction in fire control. I'll have to cut in the auxiliary.

LUKE: Just hang on. Hang on, Dack. Get ready to fire that tow cable.

Barely keeping his seat in the tumbling ship, Dack struggles to set up his harpoon gun. Luke swings his speeder around and heads toward an oncoming walker. Laser bolts and flak fill the air, creating a deadly obstacle course for the tiny craft.

EXTERIOR: HOTH -- ICE PLAIN -- BATTLEFIELD

Rouge Leader and another snowspeeder fly in tight formation toward the walker as explosions burst all around them.

INTERIOR: LUKE'S SNOWSPEEDER, ROUGE LEADER -- COCKPIT

After sustaining a heavy volley of fire, Luke turns around to see if Dack is all right.

LUKE: Dack? Dack!

Dack is lost. Blood streams down his forehead, which rests on his smoldering controls. Out the back window, an       Imperial walker recedes in the distance.

EXTERIOR: HOTH -- ICE PLAIN -- SNOW TRENCH AREA

Rebel troops fire the dishlike ray gun while explosions erupt around them.

EXTERIOR: HOTH -- ICE PLAIN -- BATTLEFIELD

Two walkers lumber toward the Rebel base as a speeder between them explodes in a ball of flames.

EXTERIOR: HOTH -- ICE PLAIN -- SNOW TRENCH

The dislike ray gun is hit by a laser bolt and instantly explodes.

INTERIOR: IMPERIAL SNOW WALKER -- COCKPIT

Through the cockpit window, Veers and his pilot can see the Rebel power generators in the distance. A hologram of Darth Vader appears on a control panel screen.

VEERS: Yes, Lord Vader. I've reached the main power generator. The shield will be down in moments. You may start your landing.

INTERIOR: LUKE'S SNOWSPEEDER, ROUGE LEADER -- COCKPIT

LUKE: (into comlink) Rouge Three.

INTERIOR: WEDGE'S SNOWSPEEDER, ROUGE THREE -- COCKPIT

WEDGE: (into comlink) Copy, Rouge Leader

LUKE: (over comlink) Wedge, I've lost my gunner. You'll have to make this shot. I'll cover for you. Set your harpoon. Follow me on the next pass.

WEDGE: (into comlink) Coming around, Rouge Leader.

INTERIOR: LUKE'S SNOWSPEEDER, ROUGE LEADER -- COCKPIT

LUKE: (into comlink) Steady, Rouge Two

EXTERIOR: HOTH -- BATTLEFIELD

Wedge's speeder races through the legs of one of the monstrous walkers.

INTERIOR: WEDGE'S SNOWSPEEDER, ROUGE THREE -- COCKPIT

WEDGE: (to gunner) Activate harpoon.

Wedge's gunner reaches for a firing switch to activate the harpoon. The harpoon flashes out, and speeds toward the receding legs of the walker.

EXTERIOR: HOTH -- BATTLEFIELD

The harpoon hurtles toward the walker, In an instant it is       embedded in one of the walker's legs.

INTERIOR: WEDGE'S SNOWSPEEDER, ROUGE THREE -- COCKPIT

WEDGE: (to gunner) Good shot, Janson.

EXTERIOR: HOTH -- BATTLEFIELD

The speeder Rouge Three races around one of the giant walker's feet, trailing the cable behind it. Continuing around the back foot, Rouge Three then circles the walker around the tail end.

INTERIOR: WEDGE'S SNOWSPEEDER, ROUGE THREE -- COCKPIT

Wedge checks his controls and banks around the front of the walker.

WEDGE: One more pass.

JANSON: Coming around. Once more.

EXTERIOR: HOTH -- BATTLEFIELD

The speeder sweeps left to right in front of the giant legs, towing the cable behind it.

INTERIOR: WEDGE'S SNOWSPEEDER, ROUGE THREE -- COCKPIT

JANSON: One more.

Wedge swings the speeder between the legs of the giant walker.

JANSON: Cable out! Let her go!

WEDGE: Detach cable.

EXTERIOR: WEDGE'S SNOWSPEEDER, ROUGE THREE

The cable release on the back of the speeder snaps loose and the cable drops away.

INTERIOR: WEDGE'S SNOWSPEEDER, ROUGE THREE -- COCKPIT

JANSON: Cable detached.

EXTERIOR: HOTH -- BATTLEFIELD

The speeder zooms away into the distance. The tangled legs of the enormous war machine attempt a step, but as they do the giant Imperial walker begins to topple. It teeters for a       moment, and then crashes onto the icy ground, sending snow and metal pieces flying.

EXTERIOR: HOTH -- ICE PLAIN -- SNOW TRENCH

The troops in the trenches cheer at the sight of the crashing walker. An officer gives a signal to his men and Rebel troops charge the fallen war machine.

TRENCH OFFICER: Come on!

The troops run toward the downed walker, followed by two Rebel speeders flying overhead. Just as they reach the walker, it explodes, the impact throwing some of the men onto the frozen ground.

INTERIOR: WEDGE'S SNOWSPEEDER, ROUGE THREE -- COCKPIT

Wedge lets out a triumphant yell, banking his speeder away from the fallen walker.

WEDGE: (into comlink) Whooha!! That got him!

INTERIOR: LUKE'S SNOWSPEEDER, ROUGE LEADER -- COCKPIT

LUKE: (into comlink) I see it, Wedge. Good work.

INTERIOR: REBEL BASE -- COMMAND CENTER

Large chunks of ice tumble into the command center as Leia and General Rieekan monitor computer screens.

RIEEKAN: I don't think we can protect two transports at a time.

LEIA: It's risky, but we can't hold out much longer. We have no choice.

RIEEKAN: (into comlink) Launch patrols.

LEIA: (to an aide) Evacuate remaining ground staff.

INTERIOR: REBEL BASE -- MAIN HANGAR

Muffled distant explosions create widening cracks in the ice roof of the hangar. Trying to ignore the noise and falling bits of snow, Han works on one of the Falcon's lifters while Chewie works on one of the wings. Noticing Chewie attach a       wrong part, Han grows impatient.

HAN: No, no! No! This one goes there, that one goes there. right?

In another area of the hangar, Threepio watches as Artoo is       raised up into Luke's X-wing fighter.

THREEPIO: Artoo, you take good care of Master Luke now, understand? And...do take care of yourself. Oh, dear, oh, dear.

EXTERIOR: HOTH -- BATTLEFIELD

The fierce battle on the vast snow plains of Hoth rages on. The Imperial walkers continue their slow, steady assault on       the Rebel base, firing lasers as they lumber ever onward. In       the snow trench, Rebel troops fire large bazookalike guns and dishlike ray guns as explosions erupt around them. A gun tower is hit by a laser bolt and instantly explodes. Another blast destroys a ray gun.

INTERIOR: IMPERIAL SNOW WALKER -- COCKPIT

General Veers studies various readouts on his control panel.

VEERS: All troops will debark for ground assault. Prepare to target the main generator.

EXTERIOR: HOTH -- BATTLEFIELD

Luke's speeder and Rouge Two fly in formation, banking from right to left and flying above the erupting battlefield. Flak bursts all around them.

INTERIOR: LUKE'S SNOWSPEEDER, ROUGE LEADER -- COCKPIT

Luke, glancing over, sees Rouge Two on his left. His ship shudders as flak bursts nearby.

LUKE: (into comlink) Rouge Two, are you all right?

INTERIOR: ZEV'S SNOWSPEEDER, ROUGE TWO -- COCKPIT

ZEV: (into comlink) Yeah. I'm with you, Rouge Leader.

INTERIOR: LUKE'S SNOWSPEEDER, ROUGE LEADER -- COCKPIT

LUKE: (into comlink) We'll set harpoon. I'll cover for you.

EXTERIOR: HOTH -- BATTLEFIELD

The two speeders race across the horizon toward the giant walkers.

INTERIOR: ZEV'S SNOWSPEEDER, ROUGE TWO -- COCKPIT

ZEV: (into comlink) Coming around.

INTERIOR: LUKE'S SNOWSPEEDER, ROUGE LEADER -- COCKPIT

LUKE: (into comlink) Watch that cross fire, boys.

INTERIOR: ZEV'S SNOWSPEEDER, ROUGE TWO -- COCKPIT

ZEV: (into comlink) Set for position three. (to gunner) Steady.

LUKE: (over comlink) Stay tight and low.

EXTERIOR: ZEV'S SNOWSPEEDER, ROUGE TWO

Luke's speeder moves in formation with Rouge Two, when suddenly Zev's speeder is hit by a laser bolt. His ship bucks violently under the impact and the cockpit explodes in a ball of flame. Spewing smoke, the speeder hurtles toward a looming walker. Before they collide. Rouge Two explodes in a million flaming pieces.

INTERIOR: LUKE'S SNOWSPEEDER, ROUGE LEADER -- COCKPIT

Desperately, Luke works the controls of his flak-buffeted ship. Suddenly, the speeder is rocked by a huge explosion. Luke struggles with the controls with a look of terror on his face. The speeder fills with smoke, and electrical sparks jump about the cockpit.

LUKE: (into comlink) Hobbie, I've been hit!

INTERIOR: REBEL BASE -- COMMAND CENTER

Apart from the distant thunder of laser blasts, the corridor is strangely quiet and empty. Running footsteps echo through the freezing hallway, then Han appears. Cracks have appeared in some of the walls and some pipes have broken, sending hot steam billowing into the underground hallways. Han hurries into the command center. It is a shambles, but some people are still at their posts. As he enters, a gigantic cave-in almost obliterates the room. He finds Leia and Threepio near one of the control boards.

HAN: You all right?

Leia nods. She is surprised to see him.

LEIA: Why are you still here?

HAN: I heard the command center had been hit.

LEIA: You got your clearance to leave.

HAN: Don't worry. I'll leave. First I'm going to get you to your ship.

THREEPIO: Your Highness, we must take this last transport. It's our only hope.

LEIA: (to controller) Send all troops in sector twelve to the south slope to protect the fighters.

A blast rocks the command center, throwing Threepio backward into Han's arms.

ANNOUNCER: (over loudspeaker) Imperial troops have entered the base.

HAN: Come on...that's it.

LEIA: (to head controller) Give the evacuation code signal. And get to your transports!

Leia looks exhausted. Han grabs her and starts to lead her out. As Han, Leia, and Threepio run out of the command center, the code signal can be heard echoing off the corridor walls.

HEAD CONTROLLER: K-one-zero...all troops disengage.

THREEPIO: (to Han and Leia) Oh! Wait for me!

EXTERIOR: BATTLEFIELD -- SNOW TRENCH

Rebel troops retreat under the awesome Imperial onslaught.

OFFICER: Begin retreat!

SECOND OFFICER: Fall back!

Troops flee from the battle, the ground exploding around them.

EXTERIOR: HOTH -- BATTLEFIELD

Three of the giant walkers, firing lasers, advance toward the Rebel headquarters.

EXTERIOR: HOTH -- SNOW TRENCH

Continuing their retreat, the Rebels see the walkers looming ever nearer.

EXTERIOR: HOTH -- BATTLEFIELD -- ICE PLAIN

On the battlefield, Luke watches as a walker foot rises and moves over him. He looks up at the underbelly of the huge walker, passing overhead. Running beneath the monstrous machine, Luke fires his harpoon gun at the walker's underside. A thin cable follows the projectile from the gun. The magnetic head and cable attach firmly to the metal hull. Still running under the walker, Luke attaches the cable drum to his belt buckle. Soon he is pulled up the cable and hangs dangling underneath the walker. The walker's giant feet continue to pound onward across the frozen snow. Stray laser bolts whistle by Luke as he climbs up       the cable to the walker's hull, reaching a small hatch. Hanging precariously, Luke cuts the solid metal hatch with his laser sword. He takes a landmine from around his neck and throws it       inside the Imperial machine. Quickly, Luke starts down the cable and crashes onto the icy ground far below. He lies unconscious as a giant rear leg passes by -- and just misses him. The giant walker stops in mid-step. A muffled explosion comes from within -- and then the walker's mechanical insides are spewed out every conceivable opening. The machine sits dead in its tracks, smoking like a locomotive on stilts.

EXTERIOR: HOTH -- BATTLEFIELD

Veers's walker continues to advance toward the Rebel base. The smoldering walker that Luke exploded stands smoking just to the right of Veers's path.

INTERIOR: IMPERIAL SNOW WALKER - COCKPIT

Inside his walker, General Veers prepares to fire on the Rebel power generators.

VEERS: Distance to power generators?

PILOT: One-seven, decimal two-eight.

Veers reaches for the electrorangefinder and lines up the main generator.

VEERS: Target. Maximum fire power.

EXTERIOR: HOTH -- BATTLEFIELD

The Rebel troops continue their desperate retreat, pushed back by the relentless Imperial assault.

INTERIOR: HOTH -- REBEL BASE -- ICE CORRIDORS

With Threepio lagging behind, Han and Leia race through the crumbling ice corridors. Suddenly, there is an explosion. Han turns, grabs the princess, and pulls her to the wall as a       tremendous cave-in blacks their path. He takes the comlink from his pocket.

HAN: (into comlink) Transport, this is Solo. Better take off -- I can't get to you. I'll get the princess out on the Falcon.

Han and Leia turn and race down the corridor.

THREEPIO: But...but...but...where are you going? Uh...come back!!

INTERIOR: HOTH -- REBEL BASE -- COMMAND CENTER

Imperial troops have reached the base. As they push through the blocked passageway, Darth Vader strides behind them.

INTERIOR: HOTH -- REBEL BASE -- ICE CORRIDOR

Han and Leia run toward the entrance of the main hangar where the Millennium Falcon is docked. Threepio still lags behind.

THREEPIO: Wait! Wait for me! Wait! Stop!

The door to the hangar closes in his face.

THREEPIO: (exasperated) How typical.

Quickly, the door reopens as Han reaches out and pulls the golden droid through.

HAN: Come on.

INTERIOR: HOTH -- REBEL BASE -- MAIN HANGAR

Chewie paces under the shelter of the Millennium Falcon's       landing gear. The giant Wookiee pats the underbelly of his beloved ship and barks a few reassuring words. As he searches worriedly for his captain, something at last catches his eye. Chewie lets out a relieved shriek at seeing Han and Leia running toward the ship. The Wookiee runs out into the falling ice, lets out a howl, then runs up the ship's ramp. Han and Leia run up the ramp after him, closely followed by       Threepio.

HAN: Hurry up, goldenrod, or you're going to be a permanent resident!

THREEPIO: Wait! Wait!

INTERIOR: HOTH -- REBEL BASE -- ICE CORRIDOR

Imperial troops run through the base corridors. Vader surveys the place. A huge chunk falls, almost hitting him, but he calmly, purposefully, continues around it.

INTERIOR: REBEL BASE -- MAIN HANGER -- MILLENNIUM FALCON

A distant, huge, explosion rocks the hangar deck. Ice cakes come crashing down on the Millennium Falcon.

INTERIOR: MAIN HANGAR -- MILLENNIUM FALCON -- MAIN HOLD

Han, standing before a control panel, is busy flipping switches as Chewie watches a troublesome gauge. A worried Leia observes their efforts.

HAN: (to Chewie) How's this?

The Wookiee barks a negative reply.

LEIA: Would it helped if I got out and pushed?

HAN: It might.

Threepio clanks into the hold.

THREEPIO: Captain Solo, Captain Solo...sir, might I suggest that you...          Han gives the gold robot a devastating look.

THREEPIO: It can wait.

INTERIOR: MAIN HANGAR -- MILLENNIUM FALCON -- COCKPIT

They move to the cockpit where Han flips some more switches. Leia watches him, impatient, disbelieving.

LEIA: The bucket of bolts is never going to get us past that blockade.

HAN: This baby's got a few surprises left in her, sweetheart.

Han and Leia look out the cockpit window and see a squad of       stormtroopers rushing into the far side of the hangar. Quickly, Han straps himself into the pilot's seat and Leia into the navigator's chair.

INTERIOR: HOTH -- REBEL BASE -- MAIN HANGAR

Stormtroopers hurriedly set up a large bazookalike weapon. Behind them the giant hangar doors open slowly.

EXTERIOR: MAIN HANGAR -- MILLENNIUM FALCON

A laser gun appears on the Falcon and swings around to aim at the Imperial troops. The stormtroopers, preparing to fire their bazooka cannon, are hit by the Falcon's fire and are thrown about in all directions.

INTERIOR: MAIN HANGAR -- MILLENNIUM FALCON -- COCKPIT

Chewie rushes into the cockpit.

HAN: Come on! Come on! Switch over. Let's hope we don't have a burnout.

A laser hits the window near Chewie as he is settling into his chair. Letting out a loud whelp, Chewie quickly pulls back on the controls and the first stage of engine fire can be       heard. Han flashes a big grin at Leia.

HAN: See?

LEIA: Someday you're going to be wrong, and I hope I'm there to see it.

Han looks at Chewie.

HAN: Punch it!

The roar of the Falcon's main engines blasts out everything as the ice-cave wall rushes by outside the cockpit window.

INTERIOR: REBEL BASE -- MAIN HANGAR

More stormtroopers run into the hangar, closely followed by       Vader. Hearing the loud roar of the Millennium Falcon's       engines, Vader looks toward the main hangar doors just in time to see the Falcon lift up and disappear outside the cave.

EXTERIOR: HOTH -- ICE SLOPE -- DAY

Luke and two other pilots look up as the Millennium Falcon races above them, flying very close to the ground. The three pilots turn then, and trudge onward toward their X-wing fighters, each going to his own ship. Luke waves farewell, then heads toward his own fighter. Artoo, seated on his cubbyhole, chirps an excited greeting as Luke climbs aboard the spacecraft.

LUKE: Artoo! Get her ready for takeoff.

From his ship, Luke sees Wedge in his own X-wing, preparing for takeoff.

WEDGE: Good luck, Luke. See you at the rendezvous.

Luke smiles and nods at Wedge, then lowers himself into the cockpit of his X-wing while Artoo waits in the cubbyhole, beeping impatiently.

LUKE: Don't worry, Artoo. We're going, we're going.

The canopy over the X-wing lowers and snaps shut.

EXTERIOR: SPACE -- LUKE'S X-WING

Luke's fighter, its wings closed, speeds away from the icy planet. Soon it disappears into the stars.

INTERIOR: LUKE'S X-WING -- COCKPIT

Luke, looking thoughtful, suddenly makes a decision. He       flips several switches. The stars shift as he takes his fighter into a steep turn. The X-wing banks sharply and flies away in a new direction. The monitor screen on Luke's control panel prints out a       question from the concerned Artoo.

LUKE: (into comlink) There's nothing wrong, Artoo. I'm just setting a new course.

Artoo beeps once again.

LUKE: (into comlink) We're not going to regroup with the others.

Artoo begins a protest, whistling an unbelieving, "What?!" Luke reads Artoo's exclamation on his control panel.

LUKE: (into comlink) We're going to the Dagobah system.

Luke checks his readouts and makes a few adjustments. He       rides along with only the soft hum of the instruments to break the silence. Finally, Artoo chirps up.

LUKE: (into comlink) Yes, Artoo?

Artoo utters a soft, carefully phrased steam of whistles.

LUKE: (into comlink, chuckling) That's all right. I'd like to keep it on manual control for a while.

The little droid lets out a defeated whimper. Luke smiles, and continues on his course.

EXTERIOR: SPACE -- MILLENNIUM FALCON

The Millennium Falcon speeds away from Hoth, closely followed by one huge Star Destroyer and four tiny TIE fighters. As it is pursued, the Falcon races toward two very bright star-sized objects.

INTERIOR: MILLENNIUM FALCON -- COCKPIT

Inside the cockpit, Chewie lets out a loud howl. Han checks as the ship is buffeted by exploding flak. He appears to be       doing six things at once.

HAN: (harried) I saw them! I saw them!

LEIA: Saw what?

HAN: Star Destroyers, two of them, coming right at us.

Threepio bumps and bangs his way into the cockpit.

THREEPIO: Sir, sir! Might I suggest...

HAN: (to Leia) Shut him up or shut him down! (to Chewie) Check the deflector shield!

Chewie barks a reply as he readjusts an overhead switch.

HAN: Oh, great. Well, we can still outmaneuver them.

EXTERIOR: SPACE -- MILLENNIUM FALCON -- STAR DESTROYERS

The Millennium Falcon races toward one of the huge oncoming Star Destroyers. Suddenly, the Falcon starts into a deep dive straight down, closely followed by four TIE fighters. The underside of the Star Destroyer continues on a collision course with two oncoming Star Destroyers. Slowly, it starts to veer to the left.

INTERIOR: STAR DESTROYER -- BRIDGE

Out the front window, the two approaching Star Destroyers can be seen veering to the left.

IMPERIAL OFFICER: Take evasive action!

Alarms sound all over the huge ship. The two other Star Destroyers get closer, one of them moving over the bridge so       close that it makes brushing contact with it.

EXTERIOR: SPACE -- MILLENNIUM FALCON -- TIE FIGHTERS

The Millennium Falcon races away from the colliding Star Destroyers, still followed by four TIE fighters. Laser bolts spark the pitch-black skies.

INTERIOR: MILLENNIUM FALCON -- COCKPIT

Things have calmed down a bit, but the race isn't over yet. Chewie barks at Han. Leia is still trying to recover from the steep dive. The ship is buffeted by laser blasts.

HAN: Prepare to make the jump to light-speed.

THREEPIO: But, sir!

The buffeting of lasers becomes louder and stronger.

LEIA: They're getting closer!

HAN: (with a gleam in his eye) Oh yeah? Watch this.

Expectantly, they look out the cockpit window as stars do       not go into hyperspace, but just sit there. Han and Chewie look at each other and are thrown into an       acute state of concern.

LEIA: Watch what?

Han tries again. Still nothing.

HAN: I think we're in trouble.

THREEPIO: If I may say so, sir, I noticed earlier the hyperdrive motivator has been damaged. It's impossible to go to light-speed!

HAN: We're in trouble!

The explosions become heavier.

EXTERIOR: SPACE -- MILLENNIUM FALCON -- TIE FIGHTERS -- STAR DESTROYER

The Falcon races into the starry vastness, followed by the four Imperial TIE fighters and an Imperial Star Destroyer.

INTERIOR: MILLENNIUM FALCON -- COCKPIT

Stars race by as flak bursts outside the Falcon's window.

INTERIOR: MILLENNIUM FALCON -- HOLD

Han works furiously at some control panels while giving various orders to Chewie.

HAN: Horizontal boosters...!

(Chewie barks)

HAN: Alluvial dampers...! Well that's not it.

(Chewie barks)

HAN: Bring me the hydrospanners!

Chewie hurries over to the pit and places the tools on the edge.

HAN: I don't know how we're going to get out of this one.

Suddenly, a loud thump hits the side of the Falcon, causing it to lurch radically. Chewie barks. The tools fall into the pit on top of Han.

HAN: Oww! Chewie!

More turbulence rocks the ship.

HAN: That was no laser blast! Something hit us.

LEIA: (over comlink) Han, get up here!

HAN: Come on, Chewie!

Han climbs out of the hold like a shot. Both he and Chewie run out of the hold and toward the cockpit.

INTERIOR: MILLENNIUM FALCON -- COCKPIT

Out the front cockpit window, they see hundreds of       asteroids racing by.

LEIA: Asteroids!

Han changes places with Leia who has been at the controls, and Chewie gets into his chair. Han works his controls as a       chunk of rock crosses in front of the ship.

HAN: Oh, no! Chewie, set two-seven-one.

LEIA: What are you doing? You're not actually going into an asteroid field?

HAN: They'd be crazy to follow us, wouldn't they?

Another asteroid thumps against the ship and Leia winces at       the jolt.

LEIA: You don't have to do this to impress me.

THREEPIO: Sir, the possibility of successfully navigating an asteroid field is approximately three thousand, seven hundred and twenty to one.

HAN: Never tell me the odds!

EXTERIOR: ASTEROID BELT -- MILLENNIUM FALCON

The Falcon turns into the asteroid storm and as the ship completes its turn, asteroids start coming straight at the cockpit windows. A large asteroid tumbles away from the Falcon's path at top speed. Several smaller asteroids crash into the big one, creating small explosions on its surface. Other asteroids of       all sizes pass by in every direction, some colliding and exploding. The tiny Millennium Falcon veers around the big asteroid and races past it through the rain of rocks, followed by four TIE fighters, which bob and weave around the asteroids. One of the pursuing TIE fighters connects with an asteroid and explodes. The other fighters are pelted with a steady stream of smaller explosions. Two huge asteroids tumble toward the Millennium Falcon, which quickly banks around both of them. The three TIE fighters follow in hot pursuit until one of the fighters scrapes an asteroid and tumbles out of control into deep space.

EXTERIOR: SPACE -- STAR DESTROYER -- ASTEROID BELT

The massive Star Destroyer blasts oncoming asteroids as it       follows the Falcon. Smaller asteroids explode across its vast surface.

EXTERIOR: MILLENNIUM FALCON -- TIE FIGHTERS -- ASTEROID BELT

The Falcon twists on its side as it races around an       oncoming asteroid. Two TIE fighters follow in the distance, coming from either side.

INTERIOR: MILLENNIUM FALCON -- COCKPIT

Asteroids race by the cockpit window as Han pilots his trusty craft through the dangerous field. Looking out the cockpit window, the Falcon crew sees a big asteroid drop past the window, narrowly missing their ship. Chewie barks in terror as a slightly smaller asteroid comes especially close -- to close -- and bounces off the Falcon with a loud crunch. Threepio's hands cover his eyes. He       manages a short peek at the cockpit window. Princess Leia sits stone-faced, staring at the action. Han gives her a quick look.

HAN: You said you wanted to be around when I made a mistake; well, this could be it, sweetheart.

LEIA: I take it back. We're going to get pulverized if we stay out here much longer.

The group watches as more asteroids race by outside the window.

HAN: I'm not going to argue with that.

THREEPIO: Pulverized?

HAN: I'm going in closer to one of the big ones.

LEIA: Closer?

THREEPIO: Closer?!

Chewbacca barks the same word, only louder.

EXTERIOR: MILLENNIUM FALCON -- ASTEROID BELT

The Millennium Falcon dives toward the surface of one of       the moon-sized asteroids. There is a continued display of       explosions against the starry void as smaller asteroids collide with larger chunks of rock. The two remaining TIE fighters follow the Falcon to the large asteroid. The Falcon skims the surface of the giant asteroid as, all the while, small asteroids explode on the surface of the ship. The TIE fighters approach the Falcon, but a giant asteroid hurtles directly into their path. As the asteroid continues on       its way, it leaves remains of the two exploded TIE fighters to        tumble into deep space.

INTERIOR: MILLENNIUM FALCON -- COCKPIT

Rattled by the violent rocking of the starship, Threepio is       nearly in hysterics.

THREEPIO: Oh, this is suicide!

Han notices something on his main scope and nudges his faithful Wookiee, pointing.

HAN: There. That looks pretty good.

LEIA: What looks pretty good?

HAN: Yeah. That'll do nicely.

THREEPIO: (to Leia) Excuse me, ma'am, but where are we going?

Out the cockpit window, they see that they are skimming the surface of the enormous asteroid and nearing a large crater.

EXTERIOR: MILLENNIUM FALCON -- GIANT ASTEROID CRATER

The Millennium Falcon dives into the huge crater and disappears.

INTERIOR: MILLENNIUM FALCON -- COCKPIT

LEIA: I hope you know what you're doing.

HAN: Yeah, me too.

INTERIOR: GIANT ASTEROID CRATER

The Falcon races down into the crater. The walls are barely visible as the ship speed through the tunnellike opening. A       small cave appears on one side of the crater, and the Falcon turns, slows, and scoots into it.

EXTERIOR: SPACE -- LUKE'S X-WING

The tiny X-wing speeds toward the cloud cover of Dagobah. Artoo, riding on the back of the fighter, turns his head back and forth with some anxiety.

INTERIOR: LUKE'S X-WING -- COCKPIT

Luke watches Artoo's words as they are translated and screened on the computer scope.

LUKE: (into comlink) Yes, that's it. Dagobah.

Artoo beeps a hopeful inquiry.

LUKE: (into comlink) No, I'm not going to change my mind about this. (getting a little nervous) I'm not picking up any cities or technology. Massive life-form readings, though. There's something alive down there...

Artoo beeps, this time a slightly worried question.

LUKE: (into comlink) Yes, I'm sure it's perfectly safe for droids.

EXTERIOR: SPACE -- DAGOBAH -- LUKE'S X-WING

The X-wing continues its flight through the twilight above the cloud-covered planet.

INTERIOR: LUKE'S X-WING -- COCKPIT

Luke sees the cloud race by as he takes his craft closer to the planet. He must operate his controls carefully since the cloud cover has completely obscured his vision. An alarm buzzes in the background, Artoo beeps and whistles frantically.

LUKE: (into comlink) I know, I know! All the scopes are dead. I can't see a thing! Just hang on, I'm going to start the landing cycle...

The blast of the retrorockets is deafening, drowning out Artoo's electronic squeals. Suddenly, there is a cracking sound as if limbs were being broken off trees and then a       tremendous jolt as the spacecraft stops. Luke pulls a switch and his canopy pops open.

EXTERIOR: DAGOBAH -- DUSK

The mist-shrouded X-wing fighter is almost invisible in the thick fog. Luke climbs out onto the long nose of the spacecraft as Artoo pops out of his cubbyhole on the back. The young warrior surveys the fog, which is barely pierced by the ship's landing lights. About all he can make out are some giant, twisted trees nearby. Artoo whistles anxiously.

LUKE: No, Artoo, you stay put. I'll have a look around.

Artoo lets out a short beep. As Luke moves along the nose, Artoo loses his balance and disappears with a splash into the boggy lake.

LUKE: Artoo?

Luke kneels and leans over the plane looking for Artoo, but the water is still and reveals no sign of the little droid.

LUKE: Artoo! Where are you?

A small periscope breaks the surface of the water and a       gurgly beep is heard. The periscope starts to move to shore. Relieved, Luke starts running along the nose of the fighter to       its tip.

LUKE: Artoo! You be more careful.

The outline of the shore is now more than ten feet away. Luke jumps off the plane into the water, scrambles up to the shore, and turns to look for Artoo. The periscope still steadily moves toward shore.

LUKE: Artoo -- that way!

Suddenly, through the thick fog layer, a dark shape appears, moving toward the little droid. The dark, sinuous bog beast dives beneath the swampy water, making a loud clunk against Artoo's metal hull. The droid disappears from sight, uttering a pathetic electronic scream. Holding his ignited lightsaber before him, Luke wades a few feet into the murky pool, looking for any sign of his little friend.

LUKE: Artoo!

The black surface is still as death itself...until a few bubbles begin to appear. Then, phheewaat!! The runt-size robot is spit out of the water, makes a graceful arc, and comes crashing down into a patch of soft gray moss.

LUKE: Oh, no! Are you all right? Come on. You're lucky you don't taste very good. Anything broken?

Luke helps Artoo to his feet and begins wiping the mud and roots from his round metal body. Artoo responds with feeble, soggy beeps.

LUKE: If you're saying coming here was a bad idea, I'm beginning to agree with you. Oh, Artoo, what are we doing here? It's like... something out of a dream, or, I don't know. Maybe I'm just going crazy.

As Luke glances around at the spooky swamp jungle that surrounds him, Artoo ejects a stream of muddy water from one of his cranial ports.

EXTERIOR: VADER'S STAR DESTROYER -- VADER'S CHAMBER

Admiral Piett hesitates in the entryway to Vader's private cubicle. After a moment, he steps into the room and pauses at       the surprising sight before him. Darth Vader, his back turned, is silhouetted in the gloom on the far side of the chamber. A black, insectlike droid attends him. Among the various apparatuses surrounding them, a       respirator tube now retracts from Vader's uncovered head. The head is bald with a mass of ugly scar tissue covering it. The black droid then lowers the mask and helmet onto Vader's head. When it is in place, the Dark Lord turns to face Piett.

VADER: Yes, Admiral?

PIETT: Our ships have sighted the Millennium Falcon, lord. But...it has entered an asteroid field and we cannot risk...

VADER: (interrupting) Asteroids do not concern me, Admiral. I want that ship and not excuses.

PIETT: Yes, lord.

EXTERIOR: ASTEROID CAVE -- MILLENNIUM FALCON

The pirate starship rests in a dark, dripping asteroid cave. It is so dark that the cave's exact dimensions are impossible to determine.

INTERIOR: MILLENNIUM FALCON -- COCKPIT

Han and Chewie busily shut down the engine and all electronic systems. Threepio and Leia watch worriedly.

HAN: I'm going to shut down everything but the emergency power systems.

THREEPIO: Sir, I'm almost afraid to ask, but...does that include shutting me down, too?

Chewie barks "yes". But Han thinks otherwise.

HAN: No, I need you to talk to the Falcon, find out what's wrong with the hyperdrive.

Suddenly, the ship lurches, causing all the loose items in       the cockpit to go flying. Chewie howls.

THREEPIO: Sir, it's quite possible this asteroid is not entirely stable.

HAN: Not entirely stable? I'm glad you're here to tell us these things. Chewie, take the professor in the back and plug him into the hyperdrive.

THREEPIO: Oh! Sometimes I just don't understand human behavior. After all, I'm only trying to do my job in the most...

The sliding door closes behind the indignant Threepio as       Chewie and he move back to the hold. Suddenly, the ship lurches again, throwing Leia across the cabin into Han's arms. Then, abruptly, the motion stops as suddenly as it started. With some surprise, Han and Leia realize they are in each other's arms.

LEIA: Let go.

HAN: Sshh!

LEIA: Let go, please.

Leia flushes, averting her eyes. She's not exactly fighting to get free. But, of course, Han blows it...

HAN: Don't get excited.

The anger rises in Leia.

LEIA: Captain, being held by you isn't quite enough to get me excited.

HAN: Sorry, sweetheart. We haven't got time for anything else.

Han grins quickly wickedly at Leia as he turns and exits through the door. Leia's confused emotions show clearly on her lovely face.

EXTERIOR: DAGOBAH -- BOG CLEARING -- DUSK

The mist has dispersed a bit, but it is still a very gloomy-looking swamp. Luke pulls an equipment box from the shore to the clearing. He ignites a little fusion furnace and warms his hands before it. Taking a power cable, he plugs it into Artoo's noselike socket.

LUKE: Ready for some power? Okay. Let's see now. Put that in there. There you go.

The droid whistles his appreciation. Luke then opens a       container of processed food and sits before the thermal heater.

LUKE: (sighs) Now all I have to do is find this Yoda...if he even exists.

Nervously, he looks around at the foreboding jungle.

LUKE: Still...there's something familiar about this place. I feel like...I don't know...

STRANGE VOICE: Feel like what?

Luke jumps out of his skin. Artoo screeches in terror. The young warrior grabs for his lightsaber as he spins around, looking for the speaker. Mysteriously standing right in front of Luke is a strange, bluish creature, not more than two feet tall. The wizened little thing is dressed in rags. It motions toward Luke's sword.

LUKE: (looking at the creature) Like we're being watched!

CREATURE: Away with your weapon! I mean you no harm.

After some hesitation, Luke puts away his weapon, although he really doesn't understand why. Artoo watches with interest.

CREATURE: I am wondering, why are you here?

LUKE: I'm looking for someone.

CREATURE: Looking? Found someone, you have, I would say, hmmm?

The little creature laughs.

LUKE: (Trying to keep from smiling) Right.

CREATURE: Help you I can. Yes, mmmm.

LUKE: I don't think so. I'm looking for a great warrior.

CREATURE: Ahhh! A great warrior. (laughs and shakes his head) Wars not make one great.

With the aid of a walking stick, the tiny stranger moves over to one of the cases of supplies. He begins to rummage around. Artoo moves to the edge of the case -- standing almost eye level to the creature who is carelessly handling the supplies -- and squeaks his disapproval. Their tiny visitor pick up the container of food Luke was eating from and takes a bite.

LUKE: Put that down. Hey! That's my dinner.

The creature spits out the bite he has taken. He makes a       face.

CREATURE: How you get so big, eating food of this kind?

He flips the container in Luke's direction and reaches into one of Luke's supply cases.

LUKE: Listen, friend, we didn't mean to land in that puddle, and if we could get our ship out, we would, but we can't, so why don't you just...

CREATURE: (teasing) Aww, cannot get your ship out?

The creature spots something of interest in Luke's case. Luke loses patience and grabs the case away. The creature retains his prize -- a tiny power lamp -- and examines it with delight.

LUKE: Hey, you could have broken this. Don't do that. Ohhh...you're making a mess. Hey, give me that!

CREATURE: (retreating with the lamp) Mine! Or I will help you not.

Clutching its treasure, the creature backs away from Luke, drawing closer to Artoo. As Luke and the creature argue, one of Artoo's little arms slowly moves out toward the power lamp, completely unnoticed by the creature.

LUKE: I don't want your help. I want my lamp back. I'll need it to get out of this slimy mudhole.

CREATURE: Mudhole? Slimy? My home this is.

Artoo grabs hold of the lamp and the two little figures are immediately engaged in a tug-of-war over it. Artoo beeps a few angry, "Give me thats."

CREATURE: Ah, ah, ah!

LUKE: Oh, Artoo, let him have it.

CREATURE: Mine! Mine!

LUKE: Artoo!

CREATURE: Mine!

The creature lets go with one hand and pokes Artoo lightly with one finger. Artoo reacts with a startled squeal, and lets go.

CREATURE: Mine!

LUKE: (fed up) Now will you move along, little fella? We're got a lot of work to do.

CREATURE: No! No, no! Stay and help you, I will. (laughs) Find your friend, hmm?

LUKE: I'm not looking for a friend, I'm looking for a Jedi Master.

CREATURE: Oohhh. Jedi Master. Yoda. You seek Yoda.

LUKE: You know him?

CREATURE: Mmm. Take you to him, I will. (laughs) Yes, yes. But now, we must eat. Come. Good food. Come.

With that, the creature scurries out of the clearing, laughing merrily. Luke stares after him. All he sees is the faint light from the small power lamp moving through the fog. Luke makes his decision and starts after the creature.

CREATURE: (in the distance) Come, come.

Artoo, very upset, whistles a blue streak of protest.

LUKE: Stay here and watch after the camp, Artoo.

Artoo beeps even more frantically. But as Luke disappears from view, the worried little droid grows quieter, and utters a soft electronic sigh.

INTERIOR: MILLENNIUM FALCON -- MAIN HOLD AREA

Threepio whistles and beeps a strange dialect into the control panel in front of him. The control panel whistles back a few mystifying beeps.

THREEPIO: Oh, where is Artoo when I need him?

Han enters the hold area and kneels on the floor near the control box.

THREEPIO: Sir, I don't know where your ship learned to communicate, but it has the most peculiar dialect. I believe, sir, it says that the power coupling on the negative axis has been polarized. I'm afraid you'll have to replace it.

HAN: Well, of course I'll have to replace it.

He hands a wire coil up to Chewie who is working near the ceiling.

HAN: Here! And Chewie...

Chewie brings his head back through the trap door in the ceiling and whines. Han glances back at Threepio, then speaks quietly to Chewie so only he can hear.

HAN: (continued)...I think we'd better replace the negative power coupling.

Leia finishes welding the valves she has been working on       and attempts to reengage the system by pulling a lever attached to the valve. It doesn't budge. Han notices her struggle, and moves to help her. She rebuffs him.

HAN: Hey, Your Worship, I'm only trying to help.

LEIA: (still struggling) Would you please stop calling me that?

Han hears a new tone in her voice. He watches her pull on       the lever.

HAN: Sure, Leia.

LEIA: Oh, you make it so difficult sometimes.

HAN: I do, I really do. You could be a little nicer, though. (he watches her reaction) Come on, admit it. Sometimes you think I'm all right.

She lets go of the lever and rubs her sore hand.

LEIA: Occasionally (a little smile, haltingly) maybe...when you aren't acting like a scoundrel.

HAN: (laughs) Scoundrel? Scoundrel? I like the sound of that.

With that, Han takes her hand and starts to massage it.

LEIA: Stop that.

HAN: Stop what?

Leia is flushes, confused.

LEIA: Stop that! My hands are dirty.

HAN: My hands are dirty, too. What are you afraid of?

LEIA: (looking right into his eyes) Afraid?

Han looks at her with a piercing look. He's never looked more handsome, more dashing, more confident. He reaches out slowly and takes Leia's hand again from where it is resting on a console. He draws it toward him.

HAN: You're trembling.

LEIA: I'm not trembling.

Then with an irresistible combination of physical strength and emotional power, the space pirate begins to draw Leia toward him...very slowly.

HAN: You like me because I'm a scoundrel. There aren't enough scoundrels in your life.

Leia is now very close to Han and as she speaks, her voice becomes an excited whisper, a tone completely in opposition to       her words.

LEIA: I happen to like nice men.

HAN: I'm a nice man.

LEIA: No, you're not. You're...

He kisses her now, with slow, hot lips. He takes his time, as though he had forever, bending her body backward. She has never been kissed like this before, and it almost makes her faint. When he stops, she regains her breath and tries to work up some indignation, but finds it hard to talk. Suddenly, Threepio appears in the doorway, speaking excitedly.

THREEPIO: Sir, sir! I've isolated the reverse power flux coupling.

Han turns slowly, icily, from their embrace.

HAN: Thank you. Thank you very much.

THREEPIO: Oh, you're perfectly welcome, sir.

The moment spoiled, Han marches out after Threepio.

EXTERIOR: SPACE -- ASTEROID FIELD

The Imperial fleet moves through the asteroid-filled void, intently seeking its prey.

INTERIOR: VADER'S STAR DESTROYER -- BRIDGE

Asteroids collide, creating a fireworks display outside the bridge window. Darth Vader stands, staring out the window above the control deck. Then slowly turns toward the bridge. Before him are the hologram images of twenty battleship commanders. One of these images, the commander of a ship that has just exploded, is fading away quickly. Another image, in       the center and a little apart from the others, is faded and continually disrupted by static. It is the image of Captain Needa, commander of the Star Destroyer most hotly on the tail of the Millennium Falcon. Admiral Piett and an aide stand behind the Dark Lord.

NEEDA: (in hologram)...and that, Lord Vader, was the last time they appeared in any of our scopes. Considering the amount of damage we've sustained, they must have been destroyed.

VADER: No, Captain, they're alive. I want every ship available to sweep the asteroid field until they are found.

The Imperial star captains fade out one by one as Vader turns to Admiral Piett.

PIETT: Lord Vader.

VADER: Yes, Admiral, what is it?

The admiral is scared, his face white as a sheet.

PIETT: The Emperor commands you make contact with him.

VADER: Move the ship out of the asteroid field so that we can send a clear transmission.

PIETT: Yes, my lord.

EXTERIOR: ASTEROID FIELD -- VADER'S STAR DESTROYER

Vader's Imperial Star Destroyer moves against the vast sea of stars away from the rest of the fleet.

INTERIOR: VADER'S STAR DESTROYER -- VADER'S CHAMBER

The Dark Lord, Darth Vader, is alone in his chamber. A       strange sound enters the room and a light begins to play across Vader's black figure. He looks up and bows quickly. A twelve-foot hologram of the Galactic Emperor materializes before Vader. The Emperor's dark robes and monk's hood are reminiscent of the cloak worn by Ben Kenobi. His voice is even deeper and more frightening than Vader's.

VADER: What is thy bidding, my master?

EMPEROR: There is a great disturbance in the Force.

VADER: I have felt it.

EMPEROR: We have a new enemy -- Luke Skywalker.

VADER: Yes, my master.

EMPEROR: He could destroy us.

VADER: He's just a boy. Obi-Wan can no longer help him.

EMPEROR: The Force is strong with him. The son of Skywalker must not become a Jedi.

VADER: If he could be turned, he would become a powerful ally.

EMPEROR: Yes. Yes. He would be a great asset. Can it be done?

VADER: He will join us or die, my master.

Vader kneels. The supreme Emperor passes a hand over the crouched Lord of the Sith and fades away.

EXTERIOR: DAGOBAH -- CREATURE'S HOUSE -- NIGHT

A heavy downpour of rain pounds through the gnarled trees. A strange baroque mud house sits on a moss-covered knoll on       the edge of a small lagoon. The small, gnomish structure radiates a warm glow from its thick glass windows. As rain tap-dances a merry tune on Artoo's head, the stubby little droid rises up on his tip-toes to peek into one of the glowing portals.

INTERIOR: CREATURE'S HOUSE

Artoo, peeking in the window, sees the inside of the house -- a very plain, but cozy dwelling. Everything is in the same small scale as the creature. The only thing out of place in       the miniature room is Luke, whose height makes the four-foot ceiling seem even lower. He sits cross-legged on the floor of       the living room. The creature is in an adjoining area -- his little kitchen -- cooking up an incredible meal. The stove is a steaming hodgepodge of pots and pans. The wizened little host scurries about chopping this, shredding that, and showering everything with exotic herbs and spices. He rushes back and forth putting platters on the table in front of Luke, who watches the creature impatiently.

LUKE: Look, I'm sure it's delicious. I just don't understand why we can't see Yoda now.

CREATURE: Patience! For the Jedi it is time to eat as well. Eat, eat. Hot. Good food, hm? Good, hmm?

Moving with some difficulty in the cramped quarters, Luke sits down near the fire and serves himself from the pot. Tasting the unfamiliar concoction, he is pleasantly surprised.

LUKE: How far away is Yoda? Will it take us long to get there?

CREATURE: Not far. Yoda not far. Patience. Soon you will be with him. (tasting food from the pot) Rootleaf, I cook. Why wish you become Jedi? Hm?

LUKE: Mostly because of my father, I guess.

CREATURE: Ah, your father. Powerful Jedi was he, powerful Jedi, mmm.

LUKE: (a little angry) Oh, come on. How could you know my father? You don't even know who I am. (fed up) Oh, I don't even know what I'm doing here. We're wasting our time.

The creature turns away from Luke and speaks to a third party.

CREATURE: (irritated) I cannot teach him. The boy has no patience.

Luke's head spins in the direction the creature faces. But there is no one there. The boy is bewildered, but it gradually dawns on him that the little creature is Yoda, the Jedi Master, and that he is speaking with Ben.

BEN'S VOICE: He will learn patience.

YODA: Hmmm. Much anger in him, like his father.

BEN'S VOICE: Was I any different when you taught me?

YODA: Hah. He is not ready.

LUKE: Yoda! I am ready. I...Ben! I can be a Jedi. Ben, tell him I'm ready.

Trying to see Ben, Luke starts to get up but hits his head on the low ceiling.

YODA: Ready, are you? What know you of ready? For eight hundred years have I trained Jedi. My own counsel will I keep on who is to be trained! A Jedi must have the deepest commitment, the most serious mind. (to the invisible Ben, indicating Luke) This one a long time have I watched. Never his mind on where he was. Hmm? What he was doing. Hmph. Adventure. Heh! Excitement. Heh! A Jedi craves not these things. (turning to Luke) You are reckless!

Luke looks down. He knows it is true.

BEN'S VOICE: So was I, if you'll remember.

YODA: He is too old. Yes, too old to begin the training.

Luke thinks he detects a subtle softening in Yoda's voice.

LUKE: But I've learned so much.

Yoda turns his piercing gaze on Luke, as though the Jedi Master's huge eyes could somehow determine how much the boy had learned. After a long moment, the little Jedi turns toward where he alone sees Ben.

YODA: (sighs) Will he finished what he begins?

LUKE: I won't fail you -- I'm not afraid.

YODA: (turns slowly toward him) Oh, you will be. You will be.

EXTERIOR: SPACE -- STAR DESTROYERS -- ASTEROID FIELD

The Imperial fleet around Vader's ship is surrounded by the asteroid storm. Asteroids big and small pelt the vast exteriors of the menacing ships. One of the smaller Imperial vessels is hit by a huge asteroid and explodes in a brilliant flash of light.

INTERIOR: ASTEROID CAVE -- MILLENNIUM FALCON -- COCKPIT

The cockpit is quiet and lit only by the indicator lights on the control panel. Princess Leia sits in the pilot's seat. She runs her hand across the control panel as she thinks of       Han and the confusion he has created within her. Suddenly, something outside the cockpit window catches her eye. The reflection of the panel lights obscures her vision until a       soft suctionlike cup attaches itself to the windscreen. Leia moves closer to see what it might be. Large, yellow eyes flash open and stare back at her. Startled, she jumps back into her seat, her heart pounding. There is a scurry of feet and a loud screech, and in an instant the eyes are gone. The young princess catches her breath, jumps out of her chair, and races from the cockpit.

INTERIOR: ASTEROID CAVE -- MILLENNIUM FALCON -- HOLD AREA

The lights go bright for a second then out again. Threepio and Chewbacca watch as Han finishes with some wires.

THREEPIO: Sir, if I may venture an opinion...

HAN: I'm not really interested in your opinion, Threepio.

Leia rushes into the cabin just as Han drops the final floor panel into place.

LEIA: (out of breath) There's something out there.

HAN: Where?

LEIA: Outside, in the cave.

As she speaks, there comes a sharp banging on the hull. Chewie looks up and barks anxiously.

THREEPIO: There it is. Listen! Listen!

HAN: I'm going out there.

LEIA: Are you crazy?!

HAN: I just got this bucket back together. I'm not going to let something tear it apart.

He and Chewie grab their breath masks off a rack and hurry out. Leia follows.

LEIA: Then I'm going with you.

THREEPIO: I think it might be better if I stay here and guard the ship. (hears another mysterious noise) Oh, no.

EXTERIOR: ASTEROID CAVE -- MILLENNIUM FALCON

It is very dark inside the huge asteroid cave, too dark to       see what is attacking the ship. Leia stamps her foot on the floor of the cave.

LEIA: This ground sure feels strange. It doesn't feel like rock at all.

Han kneels and studies the ground, then attempts to study the outline of the cave.

HAN: There's an awful lot of moisture in here.

LEIA: I don't know. I have a bad feeling about this.

HAN: Yeah.

Chewie barks through his face mask, and points toward the ship's cockpit. A five-foot-long shape can be seen moving across the top of the Falcon. The leathery creature lets out a       screech as Han blasts it with a laser bolt.

HAN: (to Leia) Watch out!

The black shape tumbles off the spaceship and onto the ground in front of the princess. Han bends down to investigate the dead creature.

HAN: Yeah, that's what I thought. Mynock. Chewie, check the rest of the ship, make sure there aren't any more attached. They're chewing on the power cables.

LEIA: Mynocks?

HAN: Go on inside. We'll clean them off if there are any more.

Just then, a swarm of the ugly creatures swoops through the air. Leia puts her arms over her head to protect herself as       she runs toward the ship. Chewie shoos another Mynock away with his blaster. Several of the batlike creatures flap their wings loudly against the cockpit window of the Falcon. Inside, Threepio shudders at their presence.

THREEPIO: Ohhh! Go away! Go away! Beastly thing. Shoo! Shoo!

Han looks around the strange, dripping cave.

HAN: Wait a minute...

He unholsters his blaster and fires at the far side of the huge cave. The cavern begins to shake and the ground starts to       buckle. Chewie barks and moves for the ship, followed closely by       Leia and Han. The large wings of the Mynocks flap past them as       they protect their faces and run up the platform.

INTERIOR: ASTEROID CAVE -- MILLENNIUM FALCON -- ENTRY AREA

As soon as Han and Leia are on board, Chewie closes the main hatch. The ship continues to shake and heave.

HAN: All right, Chewie, let's get out of here!

The Wookiee heads for the cockpit as Han, followed by       Threepio, rushes to the hold area and checks the scopes on the control panel. Leia hurries after.

LEIA: The Empire is still out there. I don't think it's wise to...

Han rushes past her and heads for the cockpit.

HAN: (interrupting) No time to discuss this as a committee.

And with that he is gone. The main engines of the Falcon begin to whine. Leia races after him, bouncing around in the shaking ship.

LEIA: (angry) I am not a committee!

INTERIOR: ASTEROID CAVE -- MILLENNIUM FALCON -- COCKPIT

Han is already in the pilot's seat pulling back on the throttle. The cave-quake has greatly diminished.

LEIA: You can't make the jump to light-speed in this asteroid field...

HAN: Sit down, sweetheart. We're taking off!

As the ship begins to move forward, Chewie barks. He       notices something out the window ahead. Threepio sees it too.

THREEPIO: Look!

HAN: I see it, I see it.

Suddenly, a row of jagged white stalagmites and stalactites can be seen surrounding the entrance. And as the Falcon moves forward, the entrance to the cave grows ever smaller. Han pulls hard on the throttle, sending his ship surging forward.

THREEPIO: We're doomed!

LEIA: The cave is collapsing.

HAN: This is no cave.

LEIA: What?

Leia's mouth drops open. She sees that the rocks of the cave entrance are not rocks at all, but giant teeth, quickly closing around the tiny ship. Chewie howls.

INTERIOR: SPACE SLUG MOUTH

The Millennium Falcon, zooming through the monster's mouth, rolls on its side and barely makes it between two of the gigantic white teeth before the huge jaws slams closed.

EXTERIOR: CAVE ENTRANCE -- GIANT ASTEROID

The enormous space slug moves its head out of the cave as       the Falcon flies out of its mouth. The monster tilts its head, watching the starship fly away.

EXTERIOR: MILLENNIUM FALCON -- GIANT ASTEROID

The Falcon races out of the asteroid crater and into the deadly rain of the asteroid storm.

EXTERIOR: DAGOBAH -- DAY

With Yoda strapped to his back, Luke climbs up one of the many thick vines that grow in the swamp. Panting heavily, he       continues his course -- climbing, flipping through the air, jumping over roots, and racing in and out of the heavy ground fog.

YODA: Run! Yes. A Jedi's strength flows from the Force. But beware of the dark side. Anger...fear...aggression. The dark side of the Force are they. Easily they flow, quick to join you in a fight. If once you start down the dark path, forever will it dominate your destiny, consume you it will, as it did Obi-Wan's apprentice.

LUKE: Vader. Is the dark side stronger?

YODA: No...no...no. Quicker, easier, more seductive.

LUKE: But how am I to know the good side from the bad?

YODA: You will know. When you are calm, at peace. Passive. A Jedi uses the Force for knowledge and defense, never for attack.

LUKE: But tell me why I can't...

YODA: (interrupting) No, no, there is no why. Nothing more will I teach you today. Clear your mind of questions. Mmm. Mmmmmm.

Artoo beeps in the distance as Luke lets Yoda down to the ground. Breathing heavily, he takes his shirt from a nearby tree branch and pulls it on. He turns to see a huge, dead, black tree, its base surrounded by a few feet of water. Giant, twisted roots form a       dark and sinister cave on one side. Luke stares at the tree, trembling.

LUKE: There's something not right here.

Yoda sits on a large root, poking his Gimer Stick into the dirt.

LUKE: I feel cold, death.

YODA: That place...is strong with the dark side of the Force. A domain of evil it is. In you must go.

LUKE: What's in there?

YODA: Only what you take with you.

Luke looks warily between the tree and Yoda. He starts to       strap on his weapon belt.

YODA: Your weapons...you will not need them.

Luke gives the tree a long look, than shakes his head "no." Yoda shrugs. Luke reaches up to brush aside some hanging vines and enters the tree.

INTERIOR: DAGOBAH -- TREE CAVE

Luke moves into the almost total darkness of the wet and slimy cave. The youth can barely make out the edge of the passage. Holding his lit saber before him, he sees a lizard crawling up the side of the cave and a snake wrapped around the branches of a tree. Luke draws a deep breath, then pushes deeper into the cave. The space widens around him, but he feels that rather than sees it. His sword casts the only light as he peers into the darkness. It is very quiet here. Then, a loud hiss! Darth Vader appears across the blackness, illuminated by his own just-ignited laser sword. Immediately, he charges Luke, saber held high. He is upon the youth in seconds, but Luke sidesteps perfectly and slashes at       Vader with his sword. Vader is decapitated. His helmet-encased head flies from his shoulders as his body disappears into the darkness. The metallic banging of the helmet fills the cave as Vader's head spins and bounces, smashes on the floor, and finally stops. For an instant it rests on the floor, then it cracks vertically. The black helmet and breath mask fall away to       reveal...Luke's head. Across the space, the standing Luke gasps at the sight, wide-eyed in terror. The decapitated head fades away, as in a vision.

EXTERIOR: DAGOBAH -- CAVE -- DUSK

Meanwhile, Yoda sits on the root, calmly leaning on his Gimer Stick.

EXTERIOR: SPACE -- VADER'S STAR DESTROYER

Vader's Imperial Star Destroyer moves through space, guarded by its convoy of TIE fighters.

INTERIOR: VADER'S STAR DESTROYER -- BRIDGE -- CONTROL DECK

Vader stands in the back control area of his ship's bridge with a motley group of men and creatures. Admiral Piett and two controllers stand at the front of the bridge and watch the group with scorn.

PIETT: Bounty hunters. We don't need that scum.

FIRST CONTROLLER: Yes, sir.

PIETT: Those Rebels won't escape us.

A second controller interrupts.

SECOND CONTROLLER: Sir, we have a priority signal from the Star Destroyer Avenger.

PIETT: Right.

The group standing before Vader is a bizarre array of       galactic fortune hunters: There is Bossk, a slimy, tentacled monster with two huge, bloodshot eyes in a soft baggy face; Zuckuss and Dengar, two battle-scarred, mangy human types; IG-88, a battered, tarnished chrome war droid; and Boba Fett, a man in a weapon-covered armored space suit.

VADER: ...there will be a substantial reward for the one who finds the Millennium Falcon. You are free to use any methods necessary, but I want them alive. No disintegrations.

BOBA FETT: As you wish.

At that moment, Admiral Piett approaches Vader in a rush of       excitement.

PIETT: Lord Vader! My lord, we have them.

EXTERIOR: IMPERIAL STAR DESTROYER, AVENGER -- ASTEROID BELT

The Millennium Falcon speeds through deep space, closely followed by a firing Imperial Star Destroyer. A large asteroid about the same size as the Falcon tumbles rapidly toward the starship. The tiny Falcon banks to avoid the giant asteroid as       smaller rocks pelt its surface. Then the small craft roars under the asteroid which explodes harmlessly on the hull of       the vast Star Destroyer.

INTERIOR: MILLENNIUM FALCON -- COCKPIT

The ship shudders as flak explodes near the cockpit window. Threepio checks a tracking scope an the side control panel while Leia watches tensely out the window.

THREEPIO: Oh, thank goodness we're coming out of the asteroid field.

Chewie barks excitedly as the rain of asteroids begins to       subside. A bolt from the Star Destroyer sets up a fiery explosion on the back side of the Falcon, causing it to lurch to one side.

EXTERIOR: MILLENNIUM FALCON -- STAR DESTROYER, AVENGER -- ASTEROID FIELD

The Falcon is hit hard by another bolt from the Star Destroyer which creates a huge explosion near the cockpit of       the smaller ship. The Falcon tilts steeply, then rights itself.

INTERIOR: MILLENNIUM FALCON -- COCKPIT

Han corrects the angle of his ship.

HAN: Let's get out of here. Ready for light-speed? One...two...three!

Han pulls back on the hyperspace throttle and -- nothing happens. Flak bursts continue to rock the ship.

HAN: (frantic) It's not fair!

Chewie is very angry and starts to growl and bark at his friend and captain. Again, Han desperately pulls back on the throttle.

HAN: The transfer circuits are working. It's not my fault!

Chewie puts his head in his hands, whining.

LEIA: (almost expecting it) No light-speed?

HAN: It's not my fault.

THREEPIO: Sir, we just lost the main rear deflector shield. One more direct hit on the back quarter and we're done for.

Han pauses for a moment, makes a decision, and pulls back on a lever.

HAN: Turn her around.

Chewie barks in puzzlement.

HAN: I said turn her around! I'm going to put all power in the front shield.

LEIA: You're going to attack them?!

THREEPIO: Sir, the odds of surviving a direct assault on an Imperial Star Destroyer...

LEIA: Shut up!

EXTERIOR: SPACE -- MILLENNIUM FALCON -- ASTEROID FIELD

The Falcon banks, makes a steep, twisting turn. In the next moment it is racing toward the Star Destroyer, looking very small against the massive surface of the Imperial ship. As it moves across the surface of the Star Destroyer, the Falcon bobs and weaves to avoid the numerous flak bursts.

INTERIOR: STAR DESTROYER, AVENGER -- BRIDGE

The tiny Falcon heads directly for the Avenger's bridge. The Imperials stationed there are stunned to see the small spaceship racing low across the hull, headed directly at the huge windows of the bridge area. Alarms go off everywhere. The Destroyer's commander, Captain Needa, can scarcely believe his eyes.

NEEDA: They're moving to attack position. Shields up!

Needa and his men duck as the Falcon nears the bridge window. At the last minute, the Falcon veers off and out of       sight. All is quiet.

NEEDA: Track them,. They may come around for another pass.

TRACKING OFFICER: Captain Needa, the ship no longer appears on our scopes.

NEEDA: They can't have disappeared. No ship that small has a cloaking device.

TRACKING OFFICER: Well, there's no trace of them, sir.

COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER: Captain, Lord Vader demands an update on the pursuit.

NEEDA: (drawing a breath) Get a shuttle ready. I shall assume full responsibility for losing them, and apologize to Lord Vader. Meanwhile, continue to scan the area.

COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER: Yes, Captain Needa.

EXTERIOR: DAGOBAH -- BOG -- DAY

Luke's face is upside-down and showing enormous strain. He       stands on his hands, with Yoda perched on his feet. Opposite Luke and Yoda are two rocks the size of bowling balls. Luke stares at the rocks and concentrates. One of the rocks lifts from the ground and floats up to rest on the other.

YODA: Use the Force. Yes...

Yoda taps Luke's leg. Quickly, Luke lifts one hand from the ground. His body wavers, but he maintains his balance. Artoo, standing nearby, is whistling and beeping frantically.

YODA: Now...the stone. Feel it.

Luke concentrates on trying to lift the top rock. It rises a few feet, shaking under the strain. But, distracted by       Artoo's frantic beeping, Luke loses his balance and finally collapses. Yoda jumps clear.

YODA: Concentrate!

Annoyed at the disturbance, Luke looks over at Artoo, who is rocking urgently back and forth in front of him. Artoo waddles closer to Luke, chirping wildly, then scoots over the edge of the swamp. Catching on, Luke rushes to the water's edge. The X-wing fighter has sunk, and only the tip of       its nose shows above the lake's surface.

LUKE: Oh, no. We'll never get it out now.

Yoda stamps his foot in irritation.

YODA: So certain are you. Always with you it cannot be done. Hear you nothing that I say?

Luke looks uncertainly out at the ship.

LUKE: Master, moving stones around is one thing. This is totally different.

YODA: No! No different! Only different in your mind. You must unlearn what you have learned.

LUKE: (focusing, quietly) All right, I'll give it a try.

YODA: No! Try not. Do. Or do not. There is no try.

Luke closes his eyes and concentrates on thinking the ship out. Slowly, the X-wing's nose begins to rise above the water. It hovers for a moment and then slides back, disappearing once again.

LUKE: (panting heavily) I can't. It's too big.

YODA: Size matters not. Look at me. Judge me by my size, do you? Hm? Mmmm.

Luke shakes his head.

YODA: And well you should not. For my ally in the Force. And a powerful ally it is. Life creates it, makes it grow. It's energy surrounds us and binds us. Luminous beings are we...(Yoda pinches Luke's shoulder)...not this crude matter. (a sweeping gesture) You must feel the Force around you. (gesturing) Here, between you...me...the tree...the rock...everywhere! Yes, even between this land and that ship!

LUKE: (discouraged) You want the impossible.

Quietly Yoda turns toward the X-wing fighter. With his eyes closed and his head bowed, he raises his arm and points at the ship. Soon, the fighter rises above the water and moves forward as Artoo beeps in terror and scoots away. The entire X-wing moves majestically, surely, toward the shore. Yoda stands on a tree root and guides the fighter carefully down toward the beach. Luke stares in astonishment as the fighter settles down onto the shore. He walks toward Yoda.

LUKE: I don't...I don't believe it.

YODA: That is why you fail.

Luke shakes his head, bewildered.

EXTERIOR: SPACE -- IMPERIAL FLEET

The fleet around Vader's Star Destroyer now includes Needa's Star Destroyer, the Avenger.

INTERIOR: VADER'S STAR DESTROYER -- BRIDGE

VADER: Apology accepted, Captain Needa.

Clutching desperately at his throat, Captain Needa slumps down, then falls over on his back, at the feet of Darth Vader. Two stormtroopers pick up the lifeless body and carry it       quickly away as Admiral Piett and two of his captains hurry up        to the Dark Lord.

PIETT: Lord Vader, our ships have completed their scan of the area and found nothing. If the Millennium Falcon went into light-speed, it'll be on the other side of the galaxy by now.

VADER: Alert all commands. Calculate every possible destination along their last know trajectory.

PIETT: Yes, my lord. We'll find them.

VADER: Don't fail me again, Admiral.

Vader exits as the admiral turns to an aide, a little more uneasy than when he arrived.

PIETT: Alert all commands. Deploy the fleet.

EXTERIOR: SPACE -- IMPERIAL FLEET

Vader's ship moves away, flanked by its fleet of smaller ships. the Avenger glides off into space in the opposite direction. No one on that ship or on Vader's is aware that, clinging to the side of the Avenger, is the pirateship, the Millennium Falcon.

INTERIOR: MILLENNIUM FALCON -- COCKPIT

THREEPIO: Captain Solo, this time you have gone too far. (Chewie growls) No, I will not be quiet, Chewbacca. Why doesn't anyone listen to me?

HAN: (to Chewie) The fleet is beginning to break up. Go back and stand by the manual release for the landing claw.

Chewie barks, struggles from his seat, and climbs out of       the cabin.

THREEPIO: I really don't see how thats going to help. Surrender is a perfectly acceptable alternative in extreme circumstances. The Empire may be gracious enough...

Leia reaches over and shuts off Threepio, mid-sentence.

HAN: Thank you.

LEIA: What did you have in mind for your next move?

HAN: Well, if they follow standard Imperial procedure, they'll dump their garbage before they go to light-speed, then we just float away.

LEIA: With the rest of the garbage. Then what?

HAN: Then we've got to find a safe port somewhere around here. Got any ideas?

LEIA: No. Where are we?

HAN: The Anoat system.

LEIA: Anoat system. There's not much there.

HAN: No. Well, wait. This is interesting. Lando.

He points to a computer mapscreen on the control panel. Leia slips out of her chair and moves next to the handsome pilot. Small light points representing several systems flash by on the computer screen.

LEIA: Lando system?

HAN: Lando's not a system, he's a man. Lando Calrissian. He's a card player, gambler, scoundrel. You'd like him.

LEIA: Thanks.

HAN: Bespin. It's pretty far, but I think we can make it.

LEIA: (reading from the computer) A mining colony?

HAN: Yeah, a Tibanna gas mine. Lando conned somebody out of it. We go back a long way, Lando and me.

LEIA: Can you trust him?

HAN: No. But he has no love for the Empire, I can tell you that.

Chewie barks over the intercom. Han quickly changes his readouts and stretches to look out the cockpit window.

HAN: (into intercom) Here we go, Chewie. Stand by. Detach!

Han leans back in his chair and gives Leia an invisible smile. She thinks for a moment, shakes her head; a grin creeps across her face and she gives him a quick kiss.

LEIA: You do have your moments. Not many, but you have them.

EXTERIOR: SPACE -- IMPERIAL STAR DESTROYER

As the Avenger Star Destroyer moves slowly into space, the hatch on its underbelly opens, sending a trail of junk behind it. Hidden among the refuse, the Falcon tumbles away. In the next moment, the Avenger roars off into hyperspace. The Falcon's engines are ignited, and it races off into the distance. Amidst the slowly drifting junk, Boba Fett's ship appears and moves after the Falcon.

EXTERIOR: DAGOBAH -- BOG -- CLEARING -- DAY

In the clearing behind Yoda's house, Luke again stands upside-down, but his face shows less strain and more concentration than before. Yoda sits on the ground below the young warrior. On the other side of the clearing, two equipment cases slowly rise into the air. Nearby Artoo watches, humming to himself, when suddenly he, too, rises into the air. His little legs kick desperately and his head turns frantically, looking for help.

YODA: Concentrate...feel the Force flow. Yes. Good. Calm, yes. Through the Force, things you will see. Other places. The future...the past. Old friends long gone.

Luke suddenly becomes distressed.

LUKE: Han! Leia!

The two packing boxes and Artoo fall to the ground with a       crash, then Luke himself tumbles over.

YODA: (shaking his head) Hmm. Control, control. You must learn control.

LUKE: I saw...I saw a city in the clouds.

YODA: Mmm. Friends you have there.

LUKE: They were in pain.

YODA: It is the future you see.

LUKE: Future? Will they die?

Yoda closes his eyes and lowers his head.

YODA: Difficult to see. Always in motion is the future.

LUKE: I've got to go to them.

YODA: Decide you must how to serve them best. If you leave now, help them you could. But you would destroy all for which they have fought and suffered.

Luke is stopped cold by Yoda's words. Gloom shrouds him as       he nods his head sadly.

EXTERIOR: BESPIN SYSTEM -- MILLENNIUM FALCON -- DAWN

The powerful pirate starship blasts through space as it       heads toward the soft pink planet of Bespin.

EXTERIOR: BESPIN SURFACE -- MILLENNIUM FALCON

It is down on the gaseous planet. Huge billowing clouds form a canyon as the ship banks around them, heading toward the system's Cloud City. Suddenly, two twin-pod cloud cars appear and move toward the Falcon. The cloud cars draw up alongside the starship.

INTERIOR: MILLENNIUM FALCON -- COCKPIT

One of the cloud cars opens fire on the Falcon, its flak rocking the ship. Chewie barks his concern.

HAN: (into transmitter) No, I don't have a landing permit. I'm trying to reach Lando Calrissian.

More flak bursts outside the cockpit window and rattles the ship's interior. Leia looks worried.

HAN: (into transmitter) Whoa! Wait a minute! Let me explain.

INTERCOM VOICE: You will not deviate from your present course.

THREEPIO: Rather touchy, aren't they?

LEIA: I thought you knew this person.

Chewie barks and growls at his boss.

HAN: (to Chewie) Well, that was a long time ago. I'm sure he's forgotten about that.

INTERCOM VOICE: Permission granted to land on Platform Three-two-seven.

HAN: (into transmitter) Thank you.

Angry, Han snaps off the intercom. Chewie looks at him and grunts. Han turns to the worried princess and her droid.

HAN: There's nothing to worry about. We go way back, Lando and me.

Leia doesn't look convinced.

LEIA: Who's worried?

EXTERIOR: CLOUD CITY -- MILLENNIUM FALCON -- CLOUD CARS

The clouds part to reveal a full view of the city as it       bobs in and out of the cloud surface. The cloud cars and the Falcon head for the gleaming white metropolis.

EXTERIOR: CLOUD CITY -- LANDING PLATFORM -- MILLENNIUM FALCON

With the cloud cars still guarding it, the Falcon lands on       one of the Cloud City's platforms.

EXTERIOR: LANDING PLATFORM -- DOOR OF MILLENNIUM FALCON

Han and Leia stand at the open door, armed. Behind them, Chewie, also armed, surveys the scene warily.

THREEPIO: Oh. No one to meet us.

LEIA: I don't like this.

HAN: Well, what would you like?

THREEPIO: Well, they did let us land.

HAN: Look, don't worry. Everything's going to be fine. Trust me.

INTERIOR: CLOUD CITY -- CORRIDOR -- DAY

Lando Calrissian, a suave, dashing black man in his thirties, leads a group of aides and some Cloud City guard rapidly toward the landing platform. The group, like the other citizens of the city, is a motley collection of aliens, droids, and humans of all descriptions. Lando has a grim expression on his face as he moves onto the landing platform.

EXTERIOR: LANDING PLATFORM -- DOOR OF MILLENNIUM FALCON

HAN: See? My friend. (to Chewie) Keep your eyes open, okay?

Chewie growls as Han walks down the ramp. Lando and his men head across the bridge to meet the space pirate.

EXTERIOR: CLOUD CITY -- LANDING PLATFORM

Lando stops ten feet from Han. The two men eye each other carefully. Lando shakes his head.

LANDO: Why, you slimy, double-crossing, no-good swindler! You've got a lot of guts coming here, after what you pulled.

Han points to himself innocently, mouthing, "Me?" Lando moves threateningly toward Han. Suddenly, he throws his arms around his startled, long-lost friend and embraces him.

LANDO: (laughs) How you doing, you old pirate? So good to see you! I never thought I'd catch up with you again. Where you been?

The two old friends embrace, laughing and chuckling.

EXTERIOR: LANDING PLATFORM -- DOOR OF MILLENNIUM FALCON.

THREEPIO: Well, he seems very friendly.

LEIA: (wary) Yes...very friendly.

EXTERIOR: CLOUD CITY -- LANDING PLATFORM

LANDO: What are you doing here?

HAN: (gestures toward the Falcon) Ahh...repairs. I thought you could help me out.

LANDO: (in mock panic) What have you done to my ship?

HAN: Your ship? Hey, remember, you lost her to me fair and square.

Chewie growls a reserved greeting. Lando suddenly notices the princess and smiles.

LANDO: Hello. What have we here? Welcome. I'm Lando Calrissian. I'm the administrator of this facility. and who might you be?

LEIA: Leia.

LANDO: Welcome, Leia.

Lando bows before Leia and kisses her hand.

HAN: All right, all right, you old smoothie.

Han takes Leia by the hand and steers her away from Lando.

THREEPIO: Hello, sir. I am See-Threepio, human-cyborg relations. My facilities are at your...

Before Threepio can finish his self-introduction, Lando has turned to follow Han and Leia, who are walking toward the city.

THREEPIO: Well, really!

Lando, his aide, Lobot, and Han lead the way across the bridge, followed by Threepio, Chewie and Leia.

LANDO: What's wrong with the Falcon?

HAN: Hyperdrive.

LANDO: I'll get my people to work on it.

HAN: Good.

Lando turns to Leia.

LANDO: You know, that ship saved my life quite a few times. She's the fastest hunk of junk in the galaxy.

INTERIOR: CLOUD CITY -- CORRIDOR

The group has crossed the narrow bridge and entered the city. They walk down the lovely Art Deco passageway, rounding several corners and passing many small plazas as they go. Threepio lags a bit behind.

HAN: How's the gas mine? Is it paying off for you?

LANDO: Oh, not as well as I'd like. We're a small outpost and not very self-sufficient. And I've had supply problems of every kind. I've had labor difficulties...(catches Han grinning at him) What's so funny?

HAN: You. Listen to you -- you sound like a businessman, a responsible leader. Who'd have thought that, huh?

Lando is reflective. He looks at Han a moment.

LANDO: You know, seeing you sure brings back a few things.

HAN: Yeah.

LANDO: (shakes his head) Yeah, I'm responsible these days. It's the price you pay for being successful.

Han and Lando laugh together, and the group moves on       through the corridor. The lagging Threepio passes a Threepio-type silver droid who is coming out of a door.

THREEPIO: Oh! Nice to see a familiar face.

SECOND THREEPIO: (mumbles) E chu ta!

THREEPIO: How rude!

Threepio stops, watching the silver droid move away. Then he hears the muffled beeping and whistling of an R2 unit coming from within the room.

INTERIOR: CLOUD CITY -- ANTEROOM

Curious, Threepio enters the room.

THREEPIO: That sounds like an R2 unit in there. I wonder if...

Threepio walks through the doorway to the main room. He       looks in.

THREEPIO: Hello? How interesting. Oh, my.

MAN'S VOICE: (from within) Who are you?

THREEPIO: Oh, I'm terribly sorry. I...I didn't mean to intrude. No, no, please don't get up. No!

A laser bolt to Threepio's chest sends him flying in twenty directions. Smoldering mechanical arms and legs bounce off the walls as the door whooshes closed behind him.

INTERIOR: CLOUD CITY -- CORRIDOR

Lando, Han, and Leia continue down the corridor unaware of       Threepio's dreadful accident. Chewbacca glances around, sniffs the air, but shrugs his shoulders and follows the group.

EXTERIOR: DAGOBAH -- BOG -- DUSK

In the bright lights of the fighter, Luke loads a heavy case into the belly of the ship. Artoo sits on top of the X-wing, settling down into his cubbyhole. Yoda stands nearby on a log.

YODA: Luke! You must complete the training.

LUKE: I can't keep the vision out of my head. They're my friends. I've got to help them.

YODA: You must not go!

LUKE: But Han and Leia will die if I don't.

BEN'S VOICE: You don't know that.

Luke looks toward the voice in amazement. Ben has materialized as a real, slightly shimmering image near Yoda. The power of his presence stops Luke.

BEN: Even Yoda cannot see their fate.

LUKE: But I can help them! I feel the Force!

BEN: But you cannot control it. This is a dangerous time for you, when you will be tempted by the dark side of the Force.

YODA: Yes, yes. To Obi-Wan you listen. The cave. Remember your failure at the cave!

LUKE: But I've learned so much since then. Master Yoda, I promise to return and finish what I've begun. You have my word.

BEN: It is you and your abilities the Emperor wants. that is why your friends are made to suffer.

LUKE: And that is why I have to go.

BEN: Luke, I don't want to lose you to the Emperor the way I lost Vader.

LUKE: You won't.

YODA: Stopped they must be. On this depends. Only a fully trained Jedi Knight with the Force as his ally will conquer Vader and his Emperor. If you end your training now, if you choose the quick and easy path, as Vader did, you will become an agent of evil.

BEN: Patience.

LUKE: And sacrifice Han and Leia?

YODA: If you honor what they fight for...yes!

Luke is in great anguish. He struggles with the dilemma, a       battle raging in his mind.

BEN: If you choose to face Vader, you will do it alone. I cannot interfere.

LUKE: I understand. (he moves to his X-wing) Artoo, fire up the converters.

Artoo whistles a happy reply.

BEN: Luke, don't give in to hate -- that leads to the dark side.

Luke nods and climbs into his ship.

YODA: Strong is Vader. Mind what you have learned. Save you it can.

LUKE: I will. And I'll return. I promise.

Artoo closes the cockpit. Ben and Yoda stand watching as       the roar of the engines and the wind engulf them.

YODA: (sighs) Told you, I did. Reckless is he. Now matters are worse.

BEN: That boy is our last hope.

YODA: (looks up) No. There is another.

EXTERIOR: SPACE -- PLANET DAGOBAH

Luke's tiny X-wing rockets away from the green planet of       Dagobah and off into space.

INTERIOR: CLOUD CITY -- LIVING QUARTERS -- DAY

Within the quarters assigned her on Cloud City, Leia paces in agitation. She has changed from her cold-weather pants and jacket to a lovely dress. Her hair is down, tied back with ribbons. She moves from a large, open window and turns to see Han entering through the doorway.

HAN: The ship is almost finished. Two or Three more things and we're in great shape.

LEIA: The sooner the better. Something's wrong here. No one has seen or knows anything about Threepio. He's been gone too long to have gotten lost.

Han takes Leia by the shoulders and gently kisses her forehead.

HAN: Relax. I'll talk to Lando and see what I can find out.

LEIA: I don't trust Lando.

HAN: Well, I don't trust him, either. But he is my friend. Besides, we'll soon be gone.

LEIA: And then you're as good as gone, aren't you?

Not speaking, Han considers her words and gazes at her troubled face.

INTERIOR: CLOUD CITY -- JUNK ROOM

The room is piled high with broken and discarded machine parts. Four Ugnaughts, small hoglike creatures, separate the junk and throw some pieces onto a conveyer belt which moves briskly toward a pit of molten metal. Pieces of Threepio's       golden body move down the belt. Chewie enters the room and spots an Ugnaught picking up and inspecting Threepio's head. The Wookiee barks a command, startling the Ugnaught, then reaches to grab the head. But the Ugnaught tosses it away from him to another Ugnaught. This game of keep-away goes on until Threepio's head falls from their grip and bounces with a clang onto the ground.

INTERIOR: CLOUD CITY -- LIVING QUARTERS -- DAY

The door zaps open. Chewbacca walks in, carrying a packing case of Threepio, arms and legs hanging over the edge.

LEIA: What happened?

Chewie sets the case on a table, grunting and groaning an       explanation.

HAN: Where? Found him in a junk pile?

LEIA: Oh, what a mess. Chewie, do you think you can repair him?

The giant Wookiee studies the array of robot parts. He       looks at the princess and shrugs sadly.

HAN: Lando's got people who can fix him.

LEIA: No, thanks.

There is a buzz and the door slides open, revealing Lando.

LANDO: I'm sorry. Am I interrupting anything?

LEIA: Not really.

LANDO: You look absolutely beautiful. You truly belong here with us among the clouds.

LEIA: (coolly) Thank you.

LANDO: Will you join me for a little refreshment?

Han looks at Lando suspiciously, but Chewie barks at the mention of food and licks his lips.

LANDO: Everyone's invited, of course.

Leia takes Lando's proffered arm, and the group turns to       go. Lando spots Threepio's remains.

LANDO: Having trouble with you droid?

Han and Leia exchange a quick glance.

HAN: No. No problem. Why?

Han and Leia move arm-in-arm through the door, followed by       Lando and Chewie. The door slides closed behind them.

INTERIOR: CLOUD CITY -- CORRIDOR -- DAY

Leia walks between Han and Lando as Chewie follows a short distance behind. Long shafts of light pour across the corridor between tall, pure-white columns.

LANDO: So you see, since we're a small operation, we don't fall into the...uh...jurisdiction of the Empire.

LEIA: So you're part of the mining guild then?

LANDO: No, not actually. Our operation is small enough not to be noticed...which is advantageous for everybody since our customers are anxious to avoid attracting attention to themselves.

The group walks into another corridor and heads for a huge doorway at the far end.

HAN: Aren't you afraid the Empire's going to find out about this little operation and shut you down?

LANDO: That's always been a danger looming like a shadow over everything we've built here. But things have developed that will insure security. I've just made a deal that will keep the Empire out of here forever.

INTERIOR: CLOUD CITY -- DINING ROOM

The mighty doors to the dining room slide open and the group enters the dining room. At the far end of a huge banquet table sits Darth Vader. Standing at his side and slightly behind him is Boba Fett, the bounty hunter. Faster than the wink of an eye, Han draws his blaster and pops off a couple of shots directly at Vader. The Dark Lord quickly raises his hand, deflecting the bolts into one of the side walls, where they explode harmlessly. Just as quickly, Han's weapon zips into Vader's hand. The evil presence calmly places the gun on the table in front of him.

VADER: We would be honored if you would join us.

Han gives Lando a mean look.

LANDO: I had no choice. They arrived right before you did. I'm sorry.

HAN: I'm sorry, too.

EXTERIOR: LUKE'S X-WING -- BESPIN SYSTEM

Luke's X-wing races through thick clouds toward Cloud City.

INTERIOR: LUKE'S X-WING -- COCKPIT

Luke is grim-faced as he pilots his course toward Bespin's       shining city. Artoo's beeps and whistles are transmitted onto the scope.

LUKE: (into comlink) No, Threepio's with them.

Artoo whistles another worried inquiry.

LUKE: (into comlink) Just hang on. We're almost there.

INTERIOR: CLOUD CITY -- LARGE CELL

Chewbacca is in a Cloud City prison cell. The stark room is       flooded with hot light. To add to Chewie's misery, a       high-pitched whistle screeches loudly. Chewie is going mad. He       hits the wall with giant fists as he paces back and forth across the cell floor. The upper lights go off abruptly. The prisoner rubs his eyes and moves to a wall, where he listens for a moment. Then, moaning to himself, he moves to a platform where the disassembled pieces of Threepio lie. He picks up the golden droid's head and meditates on it for a moment, barking a few philosophical remarks. Chewie sticks the robot's head on       its torso and starts adjusting wires and circuits. Suddenly, the lights in Threepio's eyes spark to life as Chewie touches two connectors together. Threepio immediately begins to speak, but his voice is so slow and so low as to be nearly unintelligible.

THREEPIO: Mmmm. Oh, my. Uh, I, uh -- Take this off! I, uh, don't mean to intrude here. I, don't, no, no, no...Please don't get up. No!

Chewie looks at Threepio in bewilderment, then scratches his furry head. He gets an idea and adjusts some connections, whereupon Threepio immediately begins speaking normally.

THREEPIO: Stormtroopers? Here? We're in danger. I must tell the others. Oh, no! I've been shot!

INTERIOR: CLOUD CITY -- PRISON ENTRY AREA

Darth Vader strides through the room as two stormtroopers prepare an elaborate torture mechanism. Han is strapped to a       rack which tilts forward onto the torture device. Vader activates the mechanism, creating two bursts of sparks, one of       which strikes Han's face. The door opens, and Darth Vader moves to the holding chamber, where Lando and Boba Fett await him.

INTERIOR: CLOUD CITY -- HOLDING CHAMBER

LANDO: Lord Vader.

VADER: (to Fett) You may take Captain Solo to Jabba the Hut after I have Skywalker.

Han's screams filter through the torture room door.

BOBA FETT: He's no good to me dead.

VADER: He will not be permanently damaged.

LANDO: Lord Vader, what about Leia and the Wookiee?

VADER: They must never again leave this city.

LANDO: That was never a condition of our agreement, nor was giving Han to this bounty hunter!

VADER: Perhaps you think you're being treated unfairly.

LANDO: No.

VADER: Good. It would be unfortunate if I had to leave a garrison here.

Vader turns and sweeps into the elevator with Boba Fett. Lando walks swiftly down another corridor, muttering to       himself.

LANDO: This deal's getting worse all the time.

INTERIOR: CLOUD CITY -- LARGE CELL

Chewie now has a little more of Threepio back together. One arm is connected, but the legs are yet to be attached. There is one small problem, however. It seems the Wookiee has managed to put the droid's head on backwards.

THREEPIO: Oh, yes, that's very good. I like that. Oh! Something's not right because now I can't see. Wait. Wait! Oh, my! what have you done? I'm backwards, you stupid furball. Only an overgrown mophead like you would be stupid enough...

Threepio is cut off in mid-sentence as Chewie angrily deactivates a circuit and the droid shuts down. The Wookiee smells something and sits up. The door to the chamber slides open and a ragged Han Solo is shoved into the room by two stormtroopers. Barking his concern, the huge Wookiee gives Han a big hug. Han is very pale, with dark circles under his eyes.

HAN: I feel terrible.

Chewie helps Han to a platform and then turns as the door slides open revealing Leia. She, too, looks a little worse for wear. The troopers push her into the cell, and the door slides closed. She moves to Han, who is lying on the platform, and kneels next to him, gently stroking his head.

LEIA: Why are they doing this?

HAN: They never even asked me any questions.

The cell door slides open. Lando and two of his guards enter.

LEIA: Lando.

HAN: Get out of here, Lando!

LANDO: Shut up and listen! Vader has agreed to turn Leia and Chewie over to me.

HAN: Over to you?

LANDO: They'll have to stay here, but at least they'll be safe.

LEIA: What about Han?

LANDO Vader's giving him to the bounty hunter.

LEIA: Vader wants us all dead.

LANDO: He doesn't want you at all. He's after somebody called Skywalker.

HAN: Luke?

LANDO: Lord Vader has set a trap for him.

Leia's mind is racing.

LEIA: And we're the bait.

LANDO: Well, he's on his way.

Han's rage peaks.

HAN: Perfect. You fixed us all pretty good, didn't you? (spits it out) My friend!

Han hauls off and punches Lando. The two friends are instantly engaged in a frantic close-quarters fight. The guards hit Han with their rifle butts and he flies across the room. Chewie growls and starts for the guards. They point their laser weapons at the giant Wookiee, but Lando stops them.

LANDO: Stop! I've done all I can do. I'm sorry I couldn't do better, but I have my own problems.

HAN: Yeah, you're a real hero.

Lando and the guards leave. Han wipes the blood from his chin as Leia and Chewie help him up.

LEIA: (dabs at his wound) You certainly have a way with people.

INTERIOR: CLOUD CITY -- CARBON-FREEZING CHAMBER

Four armor-suited stormtroopers stand at the ready in the large chamber, which is filled with pipes and chemical tanks. In the middle of the room is a round pit housing a hydraulic platform. Darth Vader and Lando stand near the platform.

VADER: This facility is crude, but it should be adequate to freeze Skywalker for his journey to the Emperor.

An Imperial soldier appears.

IMPERIAL SOLDIER: Lord Vader, ship approaching. X-wing class.

VADER: Good. Monitor Skywalker and allow him to land.

The soldier bows and leaves the chamber.

LANDO: Lord Vader, we only use this facility for carbon freezing. If you put him in there, it might kill him.

VADER: I do not want the Emperor's prize damaged. We will test it...on Captain Solo.

Lando's face registers dismay.

EXTERIOR: SPACE -- BESPIN SYSTEM -- LUKE'S X-WING

Luke's X-wing moves through the clouds as it nears the city.

INTERIOR: LUKE'S X-WING -- COCKPIT

Encountering no city guards, Luke scans the display panel with concern.

INTERIOR: CLOUD CITY -- CARBON-FREEZING CHAMBER

There is a great activity on the carbon-freezing platform. Six Ugnaughts frantically prepare the chamber for use. A       special coffinlike container is put in place. With Boba Fett in the lead, a squad of six stormtroopers brings in Han, Leia and Chewie. Strapped to Chewie's back, with only his head, torso, and one arm assembled, is Threepio. Threepio's head faces the opposite direction from Chewie's and the droid is       constantly twisting around in a vain effort to see what is        happening. His one attached arm is animate and expressive, intermittently pointing, gesturing, and covering his eyes. The remaining pieces of his body are randomly bundled to the Wookiee's back so that his legs and other arm stick out at odd angles from the pack.

THREEPIO: If only you had attached my legs, I wouldn't be in this ridiculous position. Now, remember, Chewbacca, you have a responsibility to me, so don't do anything foolish.

HAN: (to Lando) What's going on...buddy?

LANDO: You're being put into carbon freeze.

Boba Fett moves away from the group to Darth Vader.

BOBA FETT: What if he doesn't survive? He's worth a lot to me.

VADER: The Empire will compensate you if he dies. Put him in!

Realizing what is about to happen, Chewie lets out a wild howl and attacks the stormtroopers surrounding Han. Within seconds, other Imperial reinforcements join the scuffle, clubbing the giant Wookiee with their laser weapons. From the instant of Chewie's first move, Threepio begins to scream in       panic while he tries to protect himself with his one arm.

THREEPIO: Oh, no! No, no, no! Stop, Chewbacca, stop...!

The stormtroopers are about to bash Chewie in the face.

HAN: Stop, Chewie, stop! Do you hear me? Stop!

THREEPIO: Yes, stop, please! I'm not ready to die.

Han breaks away from his captors. Vader nods to the guards to let him go and the pirate breaks up the fight.

HAN: Chewie! Chewie, this won't help me. Hey!

Han gives the Wookiee a stern look.

HAN: Save your strength. There'll be another time. The princess -- you have to take care of her. You hear me?

Han winks at the Wookiee, who wails a doleful farewell. In a flash the guards have slipped binders on Chewbacca, who is too distraught to protest. Han turns to Princess Leia. They look sorrowfully at one another, then Han moves toward her and gives her a final, passionate kiss.

LEIA: I love you!

HAN: I know.

Tears roll down Leia's face as she watches the dashing pirate walk to the hydraulic platform. Han looks one final time at his friends -- and then, suddenly, the platform drops. Chewie howls. Leia turns away in agony. Lando winces in       sorrow; it makes a life-changing impression on him. Instantly, fiery liquid begins to pour down in a shower of       sparks and fluid as great as any steel furnace. Holding Leia, Chewie half-turns away from the sight, giving Threepio a view of the procedure.

THREEPIO: What...what's going on? Turn around, Chewbacca, I can't see. Oh...they've encased him in carbonite. He should be quite well-protected -- if he survives the freezing process, that is.

Chewie is in no mood for technical discussion; he gives the droid an angry glance and barks. A huge mechanical tong lifts the steaming metal-encased space pirate out of the vat and stands him on the platform. Some Ugnaughts rush over and push the block over onto the platform. They slide the coffinlike structure to the block and lift the metal block, placing it inside. They then attach an       electronic box onto the structure and step away. Lando kneels and adjusts some knobs, measuring the heat. He       shakes his head in relief.

VADER: Well, Calrissian, did he survive?

LANDO: Yes, he's alive. And in perfect hibernation.

Vader turns to Boba Fett.

VADER: He's all yours bounty hunter. Reset the chamber for Skywalker.

IMPERIAL OFFICER: Skywalker has just landed, my lord.

VADER: Good. See to it that he finds his way here. Calrissian, take the princess and the Wookiee to my ship.

LANDO: You said they'd be left in the city under my supervision.

VADER: I am altering the deal. Pray I don't alter it any further.

Lando's hand instinctively goes to his throat as he turns to Leia, Chewie, and Threepio.

INTERIOR: CLOUD CITY -- CORRIDOR -- DAY

As Luke and Artoo move carefully down a deserted corridor, they hear a group of people coming down a side hallway. Artoo lets out an excited series of beeps and whistles. Luke glares at the tiny droid, who stops in his tracks with a feeble squeak. Boba Fett enters from a side hallway followed by two guards pushing the floating, encased body of Han Solo. Two stormtroopers, who follow, immediately spot Luke and open fire on him. The youth draws his weapon and blasts the two troopers before they can get off a second shot. The two guards whisk Han into another hallway as Fett lowers his arm and fires a deadly laser at Luke, which explodes to one side and tears up a huge chunk of wall. Luke rushes to a side hallway, but by the time he reaches it, Fett, Han, and the guards are gone. A think metal door blocks the passage. Luke turns to see Leia, Chewie, Threepio, and Lando being herded down a second hallway by several other stormtroopers. Leia turns just in time to see Luke.

LEIA: Luke! Luke, don't -- it's a trap! It's a trap!

Before she can finish, she is pulled through a doorway and disappears from sight. Luke races after the group, leaving little Artoo trailing behind.

INTERIOR: CLOUD CITY -- ANTEROOM

Luke runs into an anteroom and stops to get his bearings. Leia and the others are nowhere to be seen. Behind Luke, Artoo scoots down the corridor toward the anteroom when suddenly a       giant metal door comes slamming down, cutting off Luke's exit. Several more doors clang shut, echoing through the chamber.

INTERIOR: CLOUD CITY -- HALLWAY LEADING TO ANTEROOM

Artoo stands with his nose pressed against the giant metal door. He whistles a long sigh of relief and, a little dazed, wanders off in the other direction.

INTERIOR: CLOUD CITY -- CARBON-FREEZING CHAMBER -- ANTEROOM

Luke cautiously walks forward among hissing pipes and steam. Seeing an opening above him, he stops to look up. As he       does, the platform he stands on begins to move.

INTERIOR: CLOUD CITY -- CARBON-FREEZING CHAMBER

Luke rises into the chamber, borne by the platform. The room is deathly quiet. Very little steam escapes the pipes and no one else seems to be in the large room. Warily, Luke walks toward the stairway. Steam begins to build up in the chamber. Looking up through the steam, Luke sees a dark figure standing on a walkway above him. Luke holsters his gun and moves up the stairs to face Vader. He feels confident, eager to engage his enemy.

VADER: The Force is with you, young Skywalker. But you are not a Jedi yet.

Luke ignites his sword in answer. In an instant, Vader's       own sword is lit. Luke lunges, but Vader repels the blow. Again Luke attacks, and the swords of the two combatants clash in battle.

INTERIOR: CLOUD CITY -- CORRIDOR

Leia, Lando, and Chewie, with Threepio on his back, march along, guarded by six stormtroopers. The group reaches an       intersection where Lobot and a dozen of Lando's guards stand at attention. The guards immediately aim their weapons at the startled stormtroopers. Taking the stormtroopers' weapons from them, Lobot hands one to Leia and one to Lando.

LANDO: Well done. Hold them in the security tower -- and keep it quiet. Move.

As Lando's guards quickly march the stormtroopers away, Lando begins to undo Chewie's binding.

LEIA: What do you think you're doing?

LANDO: We're getting out of here.

THREEPIO: I knew all along it had to be a mistake.

Chewie turns on Lando and starts to choke him.

LEIA: Do you think that after what you did to Han we're going to trust you?

Lando tries to free himself from Chewie.

LANDO: (choking) I had no choice...

Chewie barks ferociously.

THREEPIO: (to Chewie) What are you doing? Trust him, trust him!

LEIA: Oh, so we understand, don't we, Chewie? He had no choice.

LANDO: I'm just trying to help...

LEIA: We don't need any of your help.

LANDO: (choking) H-a-a-a...

LEIA: What?

THREEPIO: It sounds like Han.

LANDO: There's still a chance to save Han...I mean, at the East Platform...

LEIA: Chewie.

Chewie finally releases Lando, who fights to get his breath back.

THREEPIO: (to Lando) I'm terribly sorry about all this. After all, he's only a Wookiee.

EXTERIOR: CLOUD CITY -- EAST LANDING PLATFORM -- BOBA FETT'S SHIP

The two guards slide Han's encased body into an opening in       the side of the bounty hunter's ship. Boba Fett climb aboard on a ladder next to the cargo hold.

BOBA FETT: Put Captain Solo in the cargo hold.

And with that, the door slams shut.

INTERIOR: CLOUD CITY -- CORRIDOR

Lando, Leia, and Chewie run down a Cloud City corridor when suddenly they spot Artoo who rushes toward them, beeping wildly.

THREEPIO: Artoo! Artoo! Where have you been?

Chewie turns around to see the stubby droid, causing Threepio to be spun out of sight of his friend.

THREEPIO: Turn around, you wooly...! (to Artoo) Hurry, hurry! We're trying to save Han from the bounty hunter!

Whistling frantically to Threepio, Artoo scoots along with the racing group.

THREEPIO: Well, at least your still in one piece! Look what happened to me!

EXTERIOR: EAST LANDING PLATFORM -- SIDE BAY

An elevator door slides open and Lando, Leia, and Chewbacca race for a large bay overlooking the East Landing Platform. Just as they arrive, Boba Fett's ship takes off against a       cloudy sunset sky. In wild anguish, Chewie howls and starts firing at the ship.

THREEPIO: Oh, no! Chewie, they're behind you!

A laser bolt explodes near the princess. Everyone turns to       see what Threepio has already spotted coming from the other direction; a squad of stormtroopers running toward them. Artoo peeks out from the elevator. Leia and Chewbacca start firing at the troopers as Lando makes a break for the elevator. Laser bolts continue to       explode around the princess and the Wookiee, but they refuse to budge. Lando sticks his head out of the elevator and motions for the pair to run, but they barely notice. They seem possessed, transported, as all the frustration of captivity and anger of loss pour through their death-dealing weapons. But after a few moments, they begin to move through the rain of laser fire toward the elevator. Once they are inside, the door slams shut and the stormtroopers race forward.

INTERIOR: CLOUD CITY -- CARBON-FREEZING CHAMBER

Luke and Vader are locked in combat on the platform overlooking the chamber. Their swords clash, the platform sways. Luke aggressively drives Vader back, forcing Vader to       use defensive tactics.

VADER: You have learned much, young one.

LUKE: You'll find I'm full of surprises.

Vader makes two quick moves, hooking Luke's sword out of       his hand and sending it flying. Another lightning move at       Luke's feet forces the youth to jump back to protect himself. Losing his balance, Luke rolls down the stairs to the circular carbon-freezing platform. There he sprawls on the floor, surprised and shaken. Just in time he looks up to see Vader, like a giant black bird, flying right at him. Luke rolls away as Vader lands. Crouching, Luke keeps his gaze steadily on his enemy.

VADER: Your destiny lies with me, Skywalker. Obi-Wan knew this to be true.

LUKE: No!

Behind Luke the hydraulic elevator cover has opened noiselessly. All the while, Luke slowly, cautiously moves back, away from the Dark Lord. Suddenly, Vader attacks so forcefully that Luke loses his balance and falls back into the opening. There is a rumble, and in an instant freezing steam rises to obscure Vader's       vision. Vader turns aside and deactivates his sword.

VADER: All to easy. Perhaps you are not as strong as the Emperor thought.

Through the steam behind Vader something blurs upward. Liquid metal begins to pour into the pit. Vader turns around -- and then looks up. He sees Luke, who has leaped fifteen feet straight up and who now hangs from some hoses on the carbonite outlet.

VADER: Impressive...most impressive.

Luke jumps down to the platform where he is separated from Vader by the steaming carbonite pit. He raises his hand. His sword, which had fallen on another part of the platform, swiftly jumps into his outstretched hand and is instantly ignited. Vader immediately lights his sword as well.

VADER: Obi-Wan has taught you well. You have controlled your fear... now release your anger.

Luke is more cautious, controlling his anger. He begins to       retreat as Vader goads him on. As Luke takes a defensive position, he realizes he has been foolhardy. A quick sword exchange and Luke forces Vader back. Another exchange and Vader retreats. Luke presses forward.

VADER: Only your hatred can destroy me.

Breathing hard, Luke jumps in the air, turning a somersault over Vader. He lands on the floor and slashes at Vader as the room continues to fill up with steam. Vader retreats before Luke's skillful sword. Vader blocks the sword, but looses his balance and falls into the outer rim of pipes. The energy Luke has used to stop Vader has brought him to the point of collapse. Luke moves to the edge and looks down, but sees no sign of Vader. He then deactivates his sword, hooks it on his belt, and lowers himself into the pit.

INTERIOR: CLOUD CITY -- TUNNEL AND REACTOR CONTROL ROOM

Moving through a tunnellike entrance, Luke cautiously approaches the reactor room. He ignites his sword and moves into the room and toward a large window as Vader enters. Luke raises his sword and moves forward to attack. Behind Luke a large piece of machinery detaches itself from the wall and comes smashing forward toward his back. Luke turns and cuts it in half just as another machine comes hurtling at him. Using the Force, Luke manages to deflect it       and send it flying as if it had hit an invisible shield. A       large pipe detaches and comes flying at Luke. He deflects it. Sparking wires pull out of the wall and begin to whip at the youth. Small tools and equipment come flying at him. Bombardment from all sides, Luke does his best to deflect everything, but soon he is bloodied and bruised. Finally, one machine glances off his and goes flying out the large window. A fierce wind blows into the room, unmoving, stands the dark, rocklike figure of Vader. A piece of machinery hits Luke and he is knocked out of the window.

INTERIOR: GANTRY -- OUTSIDE CONTROL ROOM -- REACTOR SHAFT

Luke falls onto the gantry, rolls, and hangs over the edge, holding his deactivated sword in hand. He puts the sword on       his belt and begins to scramble up.

INTERIOR: CLOUD CITY -- CORRIDOR LEADING TO LANDING PLATFORM

Leia, Lando, Chewie and the droids come round a corner and head for the door to the landing platform. They glimpse the Millennium Falcon for a moment before the door slams shut. The group ducks into an alcove as stormtroopers arrive at the end of the corridor. The troopers send a rain of laser bolts at       the group. Chewie returns their fire as Lando punches desperately at the door's control panel.

LANDO: The security codes has been changed!

THREEPIO: Artoo, you can tell the computer to override the security system.

Threepio points to a computer socket on the control panel. Artoo beeps and scoots toward it. Lando meanwhile has connected up to the panel's intercom.

LANDO: Attention! This is Lando Calrissian. The Empire has takes control of the city. I advise everyone to leave before more Imperial troops arrive.

Artoo takes off a computer cover and sticks his computer arm into the socket. Suddenly, a short beep turns into a wild scream. Artoo's circuits light up, his head spins wildly, and smoke begins to seep out underneath him. Quickly, Chewie pulls him away.

LANDO: This way.

Lando, Leia, Artoo, and Chewie flee down the corridor. As       he scoots along with them, Artoo sends some angry beeps Threepio's way.

THREEPIO: Don't blame me. I'm an interpreter. I'm not supposed to know a power socket from a computer terminal.

INTERIOR: CLOUD CITY -- CORRIDOR

In a panic, Cloud City residents are trying to get out of       the city. Some carry boxes, others packages. They run, then change direction. Some are shooting at stormtroopers, others simply try to hide. Other stormtroopers pursue Lando, Leia, and Chewie who are firing back at them. Artoo works on another door to the landing platform while Threepio berates him for his seeming ineptitude.

THREEPIO: What are you talking about? We're not interested in the hyperdrive on the Millennium Falcon. It's fixed! Just open the door, you stupid lump.

Chewie, Leia, and Lando retreat along the corridor. A       triumphant beep from Artoo -- and the door snaps open.

THREEPIO: (to Artoo) I never doubted you for a second. Wonderful!

Artoo lays a cloud fog, obscuring everything, as the group dashes outside.

EXTERIOR: LANDING PLATFORM -- CLOUD CITY -- DUSK

They race for the Millennium Falcon as a battalion of       stormtroopers reaches the main door. Lando and Leia hold off the troops as the droids get on board with Chewie. As Chewie bounds to the ship the Threepio on his back, Threepio hits his head on the top of the ramp.

THREEPIO: Ouch! Oh! Ah! That hurt, Bend down, you thoughtless...Ow!

Chewie starts up the ship. The giant engines begin to whine as Lando and Leia race up the ramp under a hail of laser fire.

LANDO: Leia! Go!

INTERIOR: MILLENNIUM FALCON -- CORRIDOR

Artoo drags the partially assembled Threepio down the corridor of the Falcon.

THREEPIO: I thought that hairy beast would be the end of me. Of course, I've looked better.

Artoo beeps understandingly.

INTERIOR: MILLENNIUM FALCON -- COCKPIT

Chewie works the controls as Leia sits in Han's seat and Lando watches over their shoulders. As Chewie pulls back on       the throttle, the ship begins to move.

EXTERIOR: CLOUD CITY -- LANDING PLATFORM -- DUSK

The Millennium Falcon lifts gracefully into the twilight sky and roars away from the city. Troops fire after it and TIE fighters take off in pursuit.

INTERIOR: GANTRY -- OUTSIDE CONTROL ROOM -- REACTOR SHAFT

Luke moves along the railing and up to the control room. Vader lunges at him and Luke immediately raises his lit sword to meet Vader's. Sparks fly as they duel, Vader gradually forcing Luke backward toward the gantry.

VADER: You are beaten. It is useless to resist. Don't let yourself be destroyed as Obi-Wan did.

Luke answers by rolling sideways and thrusting his sword at       Vader so viciously that he nicks Vader on the shoulder. The black armor sparks and smokes and Vader seems to be hurt, but immediately recovers. Luke backs off along the narrow end of the gantry as Vader comes at him, slashing at the young Jedi with his sword. Luke makes a quick move around the instrument complex attached to       the end of the gantry. Vader's sword comes slashing down, cutting the complex loose; it begins to fall, then is caught by the rising wind and blown upward. Luke glances at the instrument complex floating away. At       that instant, Vader's sword comes down across Luke's right forearm, cutting off his hand and sending his sword flying. In great pain, Luke squeezes his forearm under his left armpit and moves back along the gantry to its extreme end. Vader follows. The wind subsides. Luke holds on. There is nowhere else to go.

VADER: There is no escape. Don't make me destroy you. You do not yet realize your importance. You have only begun to discover you power. Join me and I will complete your training. With our combined strength, we can end this destructive conflict and bring order to the galaxy.

LUKE: I'll never join you!

VADER: If you only knew the power of the dark side. Obi-Wan never told you what happened to your father.

LUKE: He told me enough! He told me you killed him.

VADER: No. I am your father.

Shocked, Luke looks at Vader in utter disbelief.

LUKE: No. No. That's not true! That's impossible!

VADER: Search your feelings. You know it to be true.

LUKE: No! No! No!

VADER: Luke. You can destroy the Emperor. He has foreseen this. It is your destiny. Join me, and we can rule the galaxy as father and son. Come with me. It's the only way.

Vader puts away his sword and holds his hand out to Luke. A calm comes over Luke, and he makes a decision. In the next instant he steps off the gantry platform into space. The Dark Lord looks over the platform and sees Luke falling far below. The wind begins to blow at Vader's cape and the torrent finally forces him back, away from the edge. The wind soon fades and the wounded Jedi begins to drop fast, unable to grab onto anything to break his fall.

INTERIOR: REACTOR SHAFT

Suddenly Luke is sucked into an exhaust pipe in the side of       the shaft. When Vader sees this, he turns and hurries off the platform.

INTERIOR: EXHAUST PIPE

Luke tumbles through the exhaust pipe. He slides to the end of the slickly polished pipe and stops as his feet hit a circular grill and knock it open. Luke claws at the surface of the pipe, trying to keep from sliding out into space.

EXTERIOR: BOTTOM OF CLOUD CITY -- WEATHER VANE -- DUSK

Unable to hang onto the pipe, Luke tumbles out, emerging at       the undermost part of Cloud City. Reaching out desperately, he       manages to grab onto on electronic weather vane.

LUKE: Ben...Ben, please!

Luke tries to pull himself up on the weather vane but slips back down. He hooks one of his legs around the fragile instruments. All the while, a powerful current of air rushes out at him from the exhaust pipe.

LUKE: Ben. Leia!

There is an ominous cracking sound from the base of the weather vane and a piece breaks off, falling into the clouds far below.

LUKE: Hear me! Leia!

INTERIOR: MILLENNIUM FALCON -- COCKPIT

Leia seems to be lost in a fog, her expression troubled. Chewie is busy operating the ship. Lando stands next to the Wookiee, watching a readout on the control panel.

LEIA: Luke...We've got to go back.

Chewie growls in surprise.

LANDO: What?

LEIA: I know where Luke is.

LANDO: But what about those fighter?

Chewie barks in agreement with Lando.

LEIA: Chewie, just do it.

LANDO: But what about Vader?

Chewie turns on Lando, the newcomer, with an ominous growl.

LANDO: All right, all right, all right.

EXTERIOR: CLOUD CITY -- MILLENNIUM FALCON -- DUSK

The Falcon makes a graceful banking turn back toward Cloud City.

EXTERIOR: CLOUD CITY -- LANDING PLATFORM

Vader enters the landing platform and watches as the speck that is the Falcon disappears. The wind blows at his cape. He turns to two aides who are standing near the entrance to       the landing platform.

VADER: Bring my shuttle.

EXTERIOR: BOTTOM OF CLOUD CITY -- WEATHER VANE

Nearly unconscious, Luke hangs upside-down on the weather vane as his body shifts in the wind.

EXTERIOR: MILLENNIUM FALCON -- BOTTOM OF CLOUD CITY

The Falcon dives to the underside of the floating city. Three TIE fighter close in on the starship.

INTERIOR: MILLENNIUM FALCON

Leia tries to remain calm.

LANDO: (pointing out the cockpit window) Look, someone's up there.

LEIA: It's Luke. Chewie, slow down. Slow down and we'll get under him. Lando, open the top hatch.

Lando rushes out of the cockpit.

EXTERIOR: BOTTOM OF CLOUD CITY -- WEATHER VANE

Luke hangs by one arm from the crossbar of the weather vane. He slips from the bar and grabs onto the pole of the vane as the Falcon banks toward him. The Falcon positions itself under Luke as Lando moves up through the opening of the hatch. Luke begins to slide and finally falls from the vane into space.

INTERIOR: MILLENNIUM FALCON -- COCKPIT

Out the cockpit window, Leia sees Luke falling from the bottom of the city. The ship gains on him.

LEIA: Okay. Easy, Chewie.

The Falcon closes in on Luke.

EXTERIOR: BOTTOM OF CLOUD CITY

Three TIE fighters race toward the Falcon, firing away.

INTERIOR: MILLENNIUM FALCON -- HATCH

The hatch pops open with a hiss of pressure. Lando reaches out to help the battered warrior inside the ship.

INTERIOR: MILLENNIUM FALCON -- COCKPIT

Flak bursts all around it as the Falcon banks away from the city. Leia and Chewie struggle with the controls.

LEIA: (into intercom) Lando?

LANDO: (over intercom) Okay, let's go.

EXTERIOR: BOTTOM OF CLOUD CITY

The Falcon races away. It is closely followed by three TIE fighters, all of which keep up a heavy laser assault on the fleeing starship.

INTERIOR: MILLENNIUM FALCON -- COCKPIT

Explosions erupt all around the cockpit, buffeting the ship wildly. Chewie howls as he frantically tries to control the ship. Leia and Chewie turns to see Luke, bloody and battered, enter the cockpit supported by Lando. Leia jumps up and hugs him while Chewie barks in joyous relief.

LUKE: Oh, Leia.

LANDO: All right, Chewie. Let's go.

Leia helps Luke from the cockpit as another huge blast rocks the ship.

EXTERIOR: SPACE -- CLOUD CITY -- DAY

The Falcon, still followed by the three TIE fighters, races away from the cloud-covered city.

INTERIOR: MILLENNIUM FALCON -- SLEEPING QUARTERS

Luke rests on a cot, his injured arm wrapped in a       protective cuff. Leia gently wipes his face. The ship lurches again.

LEIA: I'll be back.

She kisses him, then leaves the quarters.

INTERIOR: MILLENNIUM FALCON -- COCKPIT

All over the ship muted alarm buzzers sound. Lando anxiously watches the flashing lights on the control panel and hurriedly adjusts some switches. Seated next to him, Chewie points out a new blip appearing on the panel. Leia, watching over their shoulders, recognizes the shape.

LEIA: Star Destroyer.

LANDO: All right, Chewie. Ready for light-speed.

LEIA: If your people fixed the hyperdrive.

Another explosion rocks the ship. Leia notices as a green light on the panel next to her flashes on.

LEIA: All the coordinates are set. It's now or never.

Chewie barks in agreement.

LANDO: Punch it!

The Wookiee shrugs and pulls back on the light-speed throttle. The sound of the ion engine changes...it is winding up. Faces are tense, expectant. But nothing happens, and the engine goes off. Chewie lets out a frustrated howl. The flak still violently rocks the ship.

LANDO: They told me they fixed it. I trusted them to fix it. It's not my fault!

Chewie gets up from his chair and starts out of the cockpit. He gives Lando and angry shove as he storms past him.

EXTERIOR: SPACE

In the distance the TIE fighters continue their chase, still shooting lasers. Vader's Star Destroyer moves behind them, determinedly following the Falcon.

INTERIOR: VADER'S STAR DESTROYER -- BRIDGE

Vader stands on the bridge looking out the window as       Admiral Piett approaches him.

PIETT: They'll be in range of our tractor beam in moments, lord.

VADER: Did your men deactivate the hyperdrive on the Millennium Falcon?

PIETT: Yes, my lord.

VADER: Good. Prepare the boarding party and set for your weapons for stun.

PIETT: Yes, my lord.

INTERIOR: MILLENNIUM FALCON

Beeping while he works, Artoo is busy connecting some wires to Threepio who now has one leg attached. Chewie enters through the doorway, grunting to himself.

THREEPIO: Noisy brute. Why don't we just go into light-speed?

Artoo beeps in response.

THREEPIO: We can't? How would you know the hyperdrive is deactivated?

Artoo whistles knowingly.

THREEPIO: The city's central computer told you? Artoo-Detoo, you know better than to trust a strange computer. Ouch! Pay attention to what you're doing!

Chewie is in the pit. He is trying to loosen something with an enormous wrench. Frustrated, he uses the wrench like a club and hits the panel...

INTERIOR: MILLENNIUM FALCON -- COCKPIT

Leia and Lando, seated in front of the control panel, are suddenly sprayed by a shower of sparks.

INTERIOR: VADER'S STAR DESTROYER -- BRIDGE

Vader stands on the bridge, watching as the Millennium Falcon is chased by the TIE fighters. As his Destroyer draws nearer, Vader's breathing gets slightly faster.

VADER: Luke.

INTERIOR: MILLENNIUM FALCON -- SLEEPING QUARTERS

Luke realizes that Vader's ship is very near. He feels resigned to his fate. He senses that he is beaten, more emotionally than physically.

LUKE: Father.

INTERIOR: VADER'S STAR DESTROYER -- BRIDGE

VADER: Son, come with me.

INTERIOR: MILLENNIUM FALCON -- SLEEPING QUARTERS

LUKE: (moaning) Ben, why didn't you tell me?

INTERIOR: MILLENNIUM FALCON -- COCKPIT

Lando and Leia are at the controls of the Falcon. Meanwhile, in the ship's hold, Chewie continues to work frantically on the hyperdrive mechanism.

LANDO: (into intercom) Chewie!

EXTERIOR: SPACE

The Falcon races through space followed very closely by the TIE fighters and the huge Imperial Star Destroyer.

INTERIOR: MILLENNIUM FALCON -- COCKPIT

Luke enters the cockpit and looks out the window. He is       almost unconscious with pain and depression.

LUKE: It's Vader.

INTERIOR: VADER'S STAR DESTROYER -- BRIDGE

VADER: Luke...it is your destiny.

INTERIOR: MILLENNIUM FALCON -- COCKPIT

LUKE: Ben, why didn't you tell me?

INTERIOR: VADER'S STAR DESTROYER -- BRIDGE

PIETT: Alert all commands. Ready for the tractor beam.

INTERIOR: MILLENNIUM FALCON -- HOLD

Artoo races to a control panel and starts working on a       circuit board. Furious, Threepio stands on one leg, yelling.

THREEPIO: Artoo, come back at once! You haven't finished with me yet! You don't know how to fix the hyperdrive. Chewbacca can do it. I'm standing here in pieces, and you're having delusions of grandeur!

Artoo moves a circuit on a control panel. Suddenly, the control panel lights up.

INTERIOR: MILLENNIUM FALCON -- COCKPIT

Leia and Lando are thrown into their seats as the Millennium Falcon unexpectedly shoot into hyperspace.

INTERIOR: MILLENNIUM FALCON -- HOLD

The ship tilts up and Artoo topples into the pit on top of       Chewie.

THREEPIO: Oh, you did it!

EXTERIOR: SPACE

The Falcon soars into infinity and away from the huge Star Destroyer which seems, by contrast, to stand still.

INTERIOR: VADER'S STAR DESTROYER -- BRIDGE

Admiral Piett and another captain glance at Vader in       terror. Vader turns slowly and walks off the bridge, his hands held behind his back in a contemplative gesture.

EXTERIOR: SPACE -- REBEL CRUISER

The Millennium Falcon is attached to a huge Rebel cruiser by a docking tube. Rebel fighters move about the giant cruiser, and a Rebel transport ship hovers near the fleet.

INTERIOR: MILLENNIUM FALCON -- COCKPIT

Lando sits in the pilot's seat as he talks into the comlink. Chewie busily throws a variety of switches in       preparation for takeoff.

LANDO: (into comlink) Luke, we're ready for takeoff.

LUKE: (over comlink) Good luck, Lando

LANDO: (into comlink) When we find Jabba the Hut and that bounty hunter, we'll contact you.

INTERIOR: STAR CRUISER -- MEDICAL CENTER

Luke speaking into the comlink as a medical droid works on       his hand. Leia stands near him while Threepio and Artoo look out the window.

LUKE: (into comlink) I'll meet you at the rendezvous point on Tatooine.

INTERIOR: MILLENNIUM FALCON -- COCKPIT

LANDO: (into comlink) Princess, we'll find Han. I promise.

INTERIOR: STAR CRUISER -- MEDICAL CENTER

LUKE: (into comlink) Chewie, I'll be waiting for your signal.

Chewie's wail comes over the comlink.

LUKE: (into comlink) Take care, you two. May the Force be with you.

Luke looks down at his hand. A metalized type of bandage has been wrapped around his wrist. The medical droid makes some adjustments in a tiny electronic unit, then pricks each one of Luke's fingers.

LUKE: Ow!

Luke wriggles his fingers, makes a fist, and relaxes it. His hand is completely functional. He gets up and walks over to Leia. There is a new bond between them, a new understanding. Leia is thinking about Han; Luke is thinking about his uncertain and newly complicated future. Together they stand at the large window of the medical center looking out on the Rebel Star Cruiser and a dense, luminous galaxy swirling in space. Luke puts his arm around Leia. The droids stand next to them, and Threepio moves closer to Artoo putting his arm on him. The group watches as the Millennium Falcon moves into view, makes a turn, and zooms away into space.

EXTERIOR: SPACE -- REBEL STAR CRUISER

While Luke, Leia, and the droids stand, looking out the window of the star cruiser, two escort fighters join the large ship. Slowly, the cruiser turns and moves away into space.

DISSOLVE TO:

EXTERIOR: GALAXY -- SPACE

END CREDITS FADE IN AND OUT OVER BACKGROUND

THE END Directed by                           IRVIN KERSHNER Produced by                             GARY KURTZ Screenplay by                 LEIGH BRACKETT and LAWRENCE KASDAN Story by                            GEORGE LUCAS Executive Producer GEORGE LUCAS STARRING Luke Skywalker MARK HAMILL Han Solo HARRISON FORD Princess Leia CARRIE FISHER Lando Calrissian BILLY DEE WILLIAMS C-3PO ANTHONY DANIELS CO-STARRING Darth Vader DAVID PROWSE Chewbacca PETER MAYHEW R2-D2 KENNY BAKER Yoda FRANK OZ                        Production Designer NORMAN REYNOLDS Director of Photography PETER SUSCHITZKY b.s.c.                             Edited by                          PAUL HIRSCH a.c.e.                        Visual Special Effects BRIAN JOHNSON, RICHARD EDLUND Music by                           JOHN WILLIAMS Performed by the London Symphony Orchestra Associate Procuders ROBERT WATTS, JAMES BLOOM SUPPORTING CAST Ben (Obi-Wan) Kenobi ALEC GUINNESS Boba Fett JEREMY BULLOCH Lando's Aide JOHN HOLLIS Chief Ugnaught JACK PURVIS Snow Creature DES WEBB Performing Assistant for Yoda KATHRYN MULLEN Voice of Emperor CLIVE REVILL IMPERIAL FORCES Admiral Piett KENNETH COLLEY General Veers JULIAN COLLEY Admiral Ozzel MICHAEL SHEARD Captain Needa MICHAEL CULVER Other Officers JOHN DICKS, MILTON JOHNS, MARK JONES, OLIVER MAGUIRE, ROBIN SCOBEY REBEL FORCES

General Rieekan BRUCE BOA Zev (Rouge 2) CHRISTOPHER MALCOM Wedge (Rouge 3) DENNIS LAWSON Hobbie (Rouge 4) RICHARD OLDFIELD Dak (Luke's Gunner) JOHN MORTON Janson (Wedge's Gunner) IAN LISTON Major Derlin JOHN RATZRNBERGER Deck Lieutanant JAKE McKENZIE Head Controller JERRY HARTE Other Officers NORMAN CHANCER, NORWICH DUFF, RAY HASSETT, BRIGITTE KAHN, BERNELL TUCKER Design Consultant and Conceptual Artist RALPH McQUARRIE Art Directors LESLIE DILLEY, HARRY LANCE, ALAN TOMKINS Set Decorator MICHAEL FORD Construction Manager Bill Welch Assistant Art Directors MICHAEL LAMONT, FRED HOLE Sketch Artist IVOR BEDDOES Draftsman TED AMBROSE, MICHAEL BOONE, REG BREAM, STEAVE COOPER, RICHARD DAWKING Modellers FRED EVANS, ALLAN MOSS, JAN STEVENS Chief Buyer EDWARD RODRIGO Construction Storeman DAVE MIDDLETON Operating Cameramen KELVIN PIKE, DAVID GARFATH Assistant Camermen MAURICE ARNOLD, CHRIS TANNER Second Assistant Cameraman PETER ROBINSON, BRIAN OSBORN Matte Photography Consultant STANLEY SAYER b.s.c.                               Gaffer LUARIE SHANE Rigging Gaffer JOHN CLARK Lighting Equipment and Crew from Lee Electric Make-up and Special Creature Design STUART FREEBORN Chief Make-up Artist GRAHAM FREEBORN Make-up Artists KAY FREEBORN, NICK MALEY Chief Hairdresser BARBARA RITCHIE Yoda Fabrication WENDY MIDENER Costume Designer JOHN MOLLO Wardrobe Supervisor TINY NICHOLLS Wardrobe Mistress EILEEN SULLIVAN Property Master FRANK BURTON Property Supervisor CHARLES TORBETT Property Dressing Supervisor JOE DIPPLE Head Carpenter GEORGE GUNNING Head Plastarer BERT RODWELL Head Rigger RED LAWRENCE Sound Design and Supervising Sound Effects Editor BEN BURTT Sound Editors MICHAEL BURROW, TERESA ECKTON, BONNIE KOEHLER Producion Sound PETER SUTTON Sound Boom Operator DON WORTHAM Production Maintenance RON BUTCHER Re-Recording BILL VARNEY, STEVE MASLOW, GREGG LANDAKES Music Recording ERIC TOMLINSON Orchestrations HERBERT W. SPENCER Supervising Music Editor KENNETH WANNBERG Assistant Film Editors DUWAYNE DUNHAM, PHIL SANDERSON, BARBARA ELLIS, STEVE STARKEY, PAUL TOMLINSON Dialogue Editors CURT SCHULKEY, LESLIE SHATZ, JOANNE D'ANTONIO Optical Coordinator ROBERT FRIEDMAN Assistant Sound Editors JOHN BENSON, JOANNE CAPPUCCELLI, KEN FISCHER, CRAIG JAEGER, NANCY JENCKS, LAUREL LADEVICH Foley Editors ROBERT RUTLEDGE, SCOTT HECKER Foley Assistants EDWARD M. STEIDELE, JOHN ROESH Sound Effects Recording RANDY THOM Recording Technicians GARY SUMMERS, HOWIE, KEVIN O'CONNELL Production Supervisor BRUCE SHARMAN Assistant Production Manager PATRICA CARR Production Coordinator MIKI HERMAN First Assistant Director DAVID TOMBLIN Second Assistant Directors STEVE LANNING, ROY BUTTON Location Manager PHILIP KOHLER Continuity KAY RAWLINGS, PAMELA MANN Casting IRENE LAMB, TERRY LEIBLING, ROB EDMISTON Assistant to Producer BUNNY ALSUP Assistant to Direcctor Debbie Shaw Assistant to Executive Producer JANE BAY Production Assistants BARBARA HARLEY, NICK LAWS, CHARLES WESSLER Stunt Coordinator PETER DIAMOND Stunt Doubles BOB ANDERSON, COLIN SKEAPING Production Accountant RON PHIPPS Assistant Accountant MICHAEL LARKINS Set Cost Controller KEN GORDON Location Accountant RON COOK Staff Photographer GEORGE WHITEAR Unit Publicist ALANN ARNOLD Assistant Publicist KRISTEN WING Studio Secont Unit Directors HARLEY COKLISS, JOHN BARRY Directory of Photography CHRIS MENGES Assistant Director DOMINIC FULFORD Second Assistant Director ANDREW MONTGOMERY Location Secont Unit Director PETER MacDONALD Director of Photography GEOFF GLOVER Operating Cameraman BOB SMITH Assistant Cameramen JOHN CAMPBELL, MIKEBREWSTER Second Assistant Cameramen JOHN KEEN, GREG DUPRE Dolly Grip FRANK BATT Production Manager SVIEN JOHANSEN Assistant Directors BILL WESTLEY, OLA SOLUM Production and Mechanical Effects Unit Mechanical Effects Supervisor NICK ALLDER Location Unit Supervisor ALLAN BRYCE Senior Effects Technician NIEL SWAN, DAVE WATKINS Robot Fabrication and Supervisor ANDREW KELLY, RONHONE Effects Technicians PHIL KNOWLES, BARRY WHITROD, MARTIN GANT, BRIANEKE, GUY HUDSON, DENNIS LOWE Effects Engineering ROGER NICHILLS, STEVE LLOYD Electrical Engineer JOHN HATT Electircal Consultant ROB DICKINSON Model Construction JOHN PAKENHAM Effects Assistants ALAN POOLE, DIGBY MILNER, ROBERT McLAREN Effects Secretary GILL CASE Miniature and Optical Effects Unit Effects Director of Photography DENNIS MUREN Effects Cameramen KEN RALSTON, JIM VEILLEUX Camera Operators DON DOW, BILL NEIL Assistant Cameramen SELWYN EDDY, JODY WESTHIEMER, RICK FIGHTER, CLINT PALMER, MICHAEL McALISTER, PAUL HUSTON, RICHARD FISH, CHRIS ANDERSON Optical Photography Supervisor BRUCE NICHOLSON Optical Printer Operators DAVID BERRY, KENNETH SMITHDONALD CLARK Optical Line-up WARREN FRANKLIN, MARK YARGO, PETER AMUNDSON, LORING DOYLE, THOMAS ROSSETER, TAM PILLSBURY, JAMES LIM Optical Coordinator LAURIE VERMONT Labroatory Technicians TIM GEIDEMAN, DUNCAN MYERS, ED JONES Art Director - Visual Effects JOE JOHNSTON Assistant Art Director NILO MODIS JAMERO Stop Motion Animation JON BERG, PHIT TIPPETT Stop Motion Technicians TOM ST. AMANO, DOUG BESICK Matte Painting Supervisor HARRISON ELLENSHAW Matte Artists RALPH McQUARRIE, MICHAEL PANGRAZIO Matte Photography NEIL KREPELA Additional Matte Photography MICHAEL LAWLER Matte Photography Assistants CRAIG BARRON, ROBERT ELSWIT Chief Model Maker LORNE PETERSON Modelshop Foreman STEVE GAWLEY Model Makers PAUL HUSTON, TOM RUDDUCK, MICHAEL FULMER, SAMUEL ZOLLTHEIS, CHARLES BAILEY, EASE OWYEUNG, SCOTT MARSHALL, MARC THORPE, WESLEY SEEDS, DAVE CARSON, ROB GEMMEL, PAT McCLUNG Animation and Rotoscope Supervisor PETER KURAN Animators SAMUEL COMSTOCK, GARRY ALLER, JOHN VAN VLIET, RICK TAYLOR, KIM KNOWLTON, CHRIS CASADY, NINA SAXON, DIANA WILSON Visual Effects Editorial Supervisor CONRAD BUFF Effects Editor MICHAEL KELLY Assistant Effects Editors ARTHUR REPOLA, HOWARD STEIN Apprentice Editor JON THALER Production Administration DICK GALLEGLY Production Secretary PATRICA BLAU Production Associate THOMAS BROWN Production Accountant RAY SCALICE Assistant Accountants GLENN PHILLIPS, PAM TRAAS, LAURA CROCKETT Production Assistant JENNY OZNOWICZ Transportation ROBERT MARTIN Still Photography TERRY CHOSTNER Lab Assistant ROBERTO McGRAITH Electronic Systems Designer JERRY JEFFRESS System Programming KRIS BROW Electronic Engineers LHARY MEYER, MIKE MacKENZIE, GARY LEO Special Project Coordinator STUART ZIFF Equipment Engineering Supervisor GENE WHITEMAN Design Engineer MIKE BOLLES Machinists UDO PAMPEL, GREG BEAUMONTE Draftsman ED TENNLER Special Projects GARY PLATER Supervising Stage Technician T.E. MEHNKE Stage Technicians WILLIAM BECK, BOBBY FINLEY, LEO LOVERRO, EDWARD HIRSH, DICK DOVA, ED BREED Miniature Pyrotechnics JOSEPH VISKOCIL, DAVE PIER, THAINE MORRIS Optical Printer Compenent Manufacturer GEORGE RANDLE CO.                     Camera and Movement Design JIM BEAUMONTE Special Optical Designer DAVID GRAFTON Special Optical Fabrication J.L. WOOD OPTICAL SYSTEMS Optical Printer Component Enginnering FRIES ENGINNERING High Speed Camera Movements MITCHELL CAMERA CORP.                      Ultra High Speed Cameras BRUCE HILL PRODUCTIONS Color Timer ED LEMKE Negative Cutting ROBERT HART, DARRELL HIXSON Dolby Consultant DON DIGIROLAMO Additional Optical Effects VAN DER VEER PHOTO EFFECTS, MODERN FILM EFFECTS, RAY MERCER & COMPANY, WESTHEIMER COMPANY, LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN FILMS Aerial Camera Systems by Westcam Camera Systems (Europe) Aerial Cameraman RON GOODMAN Assistant MARGARAT HARRON Helicopter Supplied by Dollar Air Services Limited Pilot MARK WOLFE Cloud Plates Photographed with Astrovision by Continental Camera Systems Inc.               Snow Vehicles Supplied by Aktiv Fisher R2 Bodies Fabricated by White Horse Toy Company Special Assistance from Giltspur Engineering and Company Photographed on he Hardangerjskuien Glacier, Finse, Norway and at EMI Elstree Studios, Borehamwood, England Music Recorded at Anvil Studios, Danham, England Re-Recording at Samuel Goldwyn Studios, Los Angeles, California Special Visual Effects Produced at Industrial Light and Magic, Marin County, California

Filmed in Panavision Recorded in DOLBY STEREO

Color by Rank Film Laboratories Prints by Deluxe

A Lucasfilm Ltd. Production A Twenieth Century-Fox Release

Original Soundtrack on RSO Records Novalization from Ballantine Books

TM Lucasfilm Ltd. (LFL) 1980 Return to Star Wars The Empire Strikes Back Return to Star Wars Return to SS Online Universe Home