Prologue

Lights up on GEORGE LUCAS clad in flannel.

GEORGE

Greetings, Playgoers, I bid you welcome. My theatre is usually a large projection screening room, but now we are here in this theater to retell any and every story ever told in the form of a musical. Tonight, I am pleased to announce: the Trilogy. Just as three films composed the original trilogy, this play is not three acts, but three plays in one performance. We shall employ every satirical device -- protected as parody within copyright law -- in our desire to amuse you.

GEORGE

Star Trek tomorrow...

GEORGE

/something recently released and popular/ tomorrow!

Blackout. Spotlight on GEORGE as he stands with a stack of cue cards. The Main Title music plays as he shows the cards, one at a time, to the audience. On the cards is the scroll.

CARDS

A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away . . . .

Star Wars (logo)

It is a period of civil war.

The Rebels have won their first victory against the evil Galactic Empire.

Rebel spies have stolen secret plans to the Empire's ultimate weapon . . .

The Death Star! (with a little drawing of the Death Star)

Pursued by the Empire's sinister agents, Princess Leia races home . . .

Yadda yadda yadda

You know this already.

Let's get the show started . . . .

Blackout. There are sounds of laser blasts, the hum of small engines and larger ones, then interior klaxons of a starship, and explosions of a bombarded spacecraft.

Scene 1

INTERIOR OF TANTIVE IV

The sound of engines builds as the music fades. Starship blaster fire his heard being exchanged, and hits being scored. Lights up on the interior of the Tantive IV, a diplomatic blockade runner. The ship rocks and lights flash from an explosion outside. R2-D2 and C-3PO make their way unsteadily through a passageway. A great groaning sound of metal on metal is heard on the ship.

THREEPIO

Did you hear that? They�ve shut down the main reactor. We�ll be destroyed for sure. This is madness!

ARTOO makes a series of electronic sounds.

THREEPIO

There�ll be no escape for the Princess this time. We�re doomed!

ARTOO continues beeping while he and THREEPIO cower. Nervous REBEL TROOPERS rush past them with a West Side Story whistle, echoed by silence, then timpani, and they snap. The REBELS take up positions, aiming their blasters at the main door and wait. Loud creaking metallic creaks and whines sound outside the ship�s hull. Imperial STORMTROOPERS enter through the blasted doorway and exchange fire with the REBELS. Laser fire erupts everywhere and ARTOO and THREEPIO hide in fear. Several REBELS fall while others turn and run. During the firefight, PRINCESS LEIA appears behind THREEPIO. She pulls ARTOO aside, and records her message. THREEPIO turns to see her as she exits. As the shooting stops, DARTH VADER enters through the doorway. STORMTROOPERS back away from VADER, who looks over the scene momentarily, then exits the main passageway, followed by the STORMTROOPERS. THREEPIO and ARTOO poke their heads out from hiding.

THREEPIO

They�re heading in this direction! What are we going to do? We�ll be sent to the spice mines of Kessel or smashed into who knows what!

ARTOO twiddles.

THREEPIO

An escape pod? You know that's restricted, you overweight glop of grease! Why don't you-- (blaster fire erupts offstage nearby, convincing THREEPIO out of his protests.) Oh, I'm going to regret this.

Exit THREEPIO and ARTOO in escape pod.

Enter VADER with escort as PRINCESS LEIA is led on by STORMTROOPERS from the opposite direction. Her hands are bound and she is shoved forward when she is unable to keep up with the STORMTROOPERS. They lead her before VADER.

STORMTROOPERS march LEIA away down the hallway and through the hole blasted in the side of the ship.

CAPTAIN EXPOSITION

Lord Vader, the Death Star plans are not aboard this ship, and no transmissions were made. An escape pod was jettisoned during the fighting. No life forms were aboard.

VADER

Thank you, Captain Exposition. I have traced the Rebel spies to her. She must have hidden the plans in the escape pod. Send a detachment down to retrieve them. Their path must be followed precisely. See to it personally, Captain.

Blackout.

Scene 2

TATOOINE

Enter ARTOO and THREEPIO.

THREEPIO

How did I get into this mess? I really don't know how. We seem to be made to suffer. It's our lot in life.

ARTOO responds with a bleet blip bloop.

Abruptly, THREEPIO runs over and moves the ARTOO prop to be going in the opposite direction of him, then runs back to his place and turns around in surprise.

THREEPIO

Where are you going?

ARTOO responds in a matter that implies this is obviously the way.

THREEPIO

Well, I'm not going that way. How do you think you'll get up those stairs? This way is much easier.

ARTOO lets out a series of beeps and whistles that continue until THREEPIO cuts him off.

THREEPIO

What mission? What are you talking about? I've had just about enough of you! Go that way!

THREEPIO kicks the ARTOO prop to propel him forward, then turns to go the opposite direction.

THREEPIO

You'll be malfunctioning within a day, you nearsighted scrap pile! And don't let me catch you following me begging for help, because you won't get it.

ARTOO's retort is quite rudely bleeted. But as THREEPIO heads off, ARTOO beeps/whistles pleadingly.

THREEPIO

No more adventures. I'm not going that way.

THREEPIO walks off in the opposite direction, but his pace slows as he reaches the edge of the stage, and he grows introspective, missing ARTOO already. Music swells and THREEPIO sings dramatically.

The song is cut off as JAWAS abruptly leap out at THREEPIO with a yawp and an ion blast. The lights black out as the JAWAS ambush.

When the lights come back up, ARTOO and THREEPIO are on a scrap heap, surrounded by other DROIDS and droid bits. Some JAWAS escort the DROIDS and line them up while others scurry around fussing over the DROIDS, straightening them up or brushing some dust from a dented metallic elbow. OWEN LARS, a surly man well into late-middle age, enters and makes his way down the line, followed by his nephew LUKE SKYWALKER. OWEN stops at THREEPIO.

OWEN

You, I suppose you're programmed for etiquette and protocol?

THREEPIO

Protocol? Why, it's my primary function, sir.

OWEN

I have no need of a protocol droid.

THREEPIO (quickly)

Of course you haven't, sir, not in an environment such as this. But I am programmed to adapt to whatever functions you may require of me...

OWEN

All right, shut up!

The song stops abruptly.

OWEN (to JAWA, indicating THREEPIO and ARTOO)

I'll take these two.

THREEPIO (to ARTOO)

Now, don't you forget this! Why I should stick my neck out for you is quite beyond my capacity!

OWEN

Luke, take these two over to the garage, will you? I want them cleaned up before dinner.

LUKE

But I was going into Toshi Station to pick up some power converters...

OWEN

You can waste time with your friends when your chores are done. Now come on, get to it!

LUKE

But Uncle Owen ...

Owen points sternly and Luke grudgingly complies.

Musical interlude as LUKE and OWEN start dancing West Side-fashion with the JAWAS and DROIDS backing them up. Instead of the Puerto Rican "iy-iy-iy" the JAWAS shout out "U-ti-ni!" Everyone holds his pose as the dance ends. Blackout.

Scene 3

LARS HOMESTEAD -- OUTSIDE

Lights up as LUKE enters.

LUKE

It just isn't fair. Oh, Biggs is right. I'm never gonna get out of here!

LUKE looks up at the binary sunset.

The giant twin suns of Tatooine slowly disappear behind a distant dune range. LUKE stands watching them for a few moments. THREEPIO enters, sees LUKE, and tries to turn back. LUKE notices.

LUKE

What are you doing out here?

THREEPIO

It wasn�t my fault, sir. Please don�t deactivate me. I told him not to go, but he�s faulty, malfunctioning. He claims to be the property of Obi-Wan Kenobi; kept babbling on about advancing the plot.

LUKE

I wonder if he means old Ben Kenobi. We�ve got to find him. Come on!

LUKE and THREEPIO exit. Blackout.

Scene 4

TATOOINE - JUNDLAND WASTES

LUKE (voice-over)

Look, there�s a droid on the scanner, dead ahead. Might be our little R2 unit. Hit the accelerator!

Sounds of a landspeeder cruising by and coming to a halt. Lights up on ARTOO, alone on stage. Enter LUKE and THREEPIO, catching up to ARTOO. LUKE stops in ARTOO�s path.

LUKE

Hey, whoa, just where do you think you�re going?

ARTOO whistles a feeble reply. THREEPIO poses menacingly behind him.

THREEPIO

Master Luke here is your rightful owner. We�ll have no more of this Obi-Wan Kenobi gibberish. And don�t talk to me about your mission, either.

Suddenly ARTOO elicits a mad series of bleeps and whistles, very excited.

LUKE

What�s wrong with him now?

THREEPIO

There are several creatures approaching from the southeast.

LUKE (nodding, as if he�d expected as much)

Sand People! Or worse! Come on. Let�s have a look.

LUKE begins to exit and THREEPIO hesitantly follows. LUKE reaches the edge of stage and is thrown back as TUSKEN RAIDERS enter. Before THREEPIO can react, a RAIDER swings at the droid.

THREEPIO

Ah! Not in the face! Not in the face!

THREEPIO, startled, backs away and stumbles to the ground. LUKE tries to back away on the ground as a TUSKEN RAIDER steps up and knocks LUKE in the head. LUKE collapses, unconscious, as the RAIDERS scream a war cry, celebrating over the unconscious form of LUKE. RAIDERS begin examining THREEPIO, scrounging for parts. Enter BEN KENOBI, dressed as a shabby hermit. BEN sneaks up behind the RAIDERS.

BEN

Boo.

Easily frightened, the RAIDERS cry out and flee. BEN bends down over LUKE and checks LUKE�s pulse. ARTOO squeaks and BEN pulls back his hood to reveal his face, a white beard, and a worldly expression looking at ARTOO.

BEN

Hello there! Come here, my little friend. Don�t be afraid.

ARTOO whistles his concern over LUKE. BEN regards LUKE and touches his forehead.

BEN

Don�t worry. He�ll be all right.

LUKE begins to come around.

LUKE

What happened?

BEN

Rest easy, son. You�ve had a busy day. You�re fortunate you�re still in one piece.

LUKE

Ben? Ben Kenobi! Boy, am I glad to see you!

BEN

The Jundland Wastes are not to be traveled lightly. Tell me, young Luke, what brings you out this far?

LUKE

Oh, this little droid! He claims to be the property of an Obi-Wan Kenobi. Is he a relative of yours? Do you know who he�s talking about?

BEN sits back, the words stirring a memory.

BEN

Obi-Wan Kenobi... Now that�s a name I haven�t heard in a long time...

LUKE

How long, Ben?

BEN (sternly)

A long time...

LUKE

I think my uncle knows him. He said he was dead...

BEN

Oh, he�s not dead...not yet.

LUKE

You know him?

BEN

Well, of course I know him. He�s me!

LUKE

I wish I�d known him.

BEN

He was a good friend. Which reminds me...

BEN steps to a chest where he rummages around for something. In short order he presents LUKE with a short handle, fixed with dials and a stud.

BEN

I have something here for you. Your father wanted you to have this when you were old enough, but your uncle wouldn�t allow it. He feared you might follow old Obi-Wan on some damned-fool idealistic crusade like your father did.

BEN hands LUKE the saber.

LUKE

What is it?

BEN

It�s your father�s lightsaber. This is the weapon of a Jedi Knight. Not as clumsy or as random as a blaster.

LUKE examines the hilt, trying to figure out how it works. He turns it and peers into each end.

BEN

An elegant weapon for a more civilized time. For over a thousand generations the Jedi Knights were the guardians of peace and justice in the Old Republic. Before the dark times. Before the Prequels.

LUKE hasn�t really been listening.

LUKE

Why did Darth Vader kill my father?

BEN (careful with his words)

Vader was seduced by the Dark Side of the Force...

LUKE

The Force?

BEN

Well, the Force is what gives a Jedi his power. It's an energy field created by all living things. It surrounds us and penetrates us. It binds the galaxy together. Think of it as the music that inspires the actions of a Jedi Knight...

ARTOO beeps, interrupting BEN.

BEN

Now, let�s see if we can�t figure out what you are, my little friend. And where you come from.

A holographic recorded of PRINCESS LEIA is projected from ARTOO.

BEN

I seem to have found a message.

LUKE stops his work as LEIA�s hologram comes to life.

LUKE

Who is she?

BEN holds a finger up to quiet LUKE so they can hear the message.

Help me, Obi-Wan Kenobi. You�re my only hope.

All of a sudden, LEIA looks distressed, leans over, and the recording ends. BEN leans back and stroking his beard. He looks at LUKE knowingly.

BEN

You must learn the ways of the Force if you�re to come with me to Alderaan.

LUKE

Alderaan? (laughing) I�m not going to Alderaan. I�ve got to go home. It�s late, I�m in for it as it is.

BEN

I need your help, Luke. She needs your help. I�m getting too old for this sh- ... sort of thing.

LUKE

Look, I can take you as far as Anchorhead. You can get a transport there to Mos Eisley or wherever you�re going.

BEN

You must do what you feel is right, of course.

LUKE shakes his head and moves to help THREEPIO to his feet. They head off UL.

LUKE

How am I ever going to explain this? Thanks for your help, Ben. I'm sorry we-- What the--?

LUKE breaks off, noticing the Jawa robes. He rushes to SL, scanning the robes, then begins looking around the area, searching for something or someone. BEN crosses over and rifles through the tattered Jawa robes, pocketing a wallet. LUKE turns to BEN, bereaved.

LUKE

They traced the droids to the Jawas and back to the farm. They...

LUKE breaks off, unable to continue. BEN stands and comforts LUKE.

BEN

There�s nothing you could have done, Luke, had you been there. The stormtroopers would have killed you along with your aunt and uncle, and the droids would now be in the hands of the Empire.

For a moment, LUKE is devastated and turns away. He then screws up his courage and makes a decision.

LUKE

I want to come with you to Alderaan. There�s nothing here for me now. I want to learn the ways of the Force and become a Jedi like my father.

BEN looks into LUKE�s eyes searchingly, then nods. They exit.

Blackout.

Scene 5

TATOOINE -- MOS EISLEY - CANTINA

BEN (voice-over)

Mos Eisley Spaceport. You will never find a more wretched hive of scum and villainy. We must be cautious.

Lights up. BEN and LUKE enter. LUKE looks around skeptically.

LUKE

Do you really think we�re going to find a pilot here that�ll take us to Alderaan?

BEN

Well, most of the best freighter pilots can be found here. Only watch your step. This place can be a little rough.

LUKE

I�m ready for anything.

BEN and LUKE enter the infamous Cantina, where the Figrin D�an and the Modal Nodes play in the background. A variety of alien denizens occupy the pub, most paying the pair no mind. BEN immediately begins a conversation at the bar with a tall, hairy Wookiee named CHEWBACCA. LUKE also goes to the bar beside BEN. On his other side are the TONNIKA SISTERS, whom LUKE begins to "admire"; after a moment, they notice, and move to the other side of the bar in disgust. LUKE is completely overwhelmed by the bar and hardly notices as BEN leads LUKE away.

BEN

Chewbacca here is first mate on a ship that might suit us.

CHEWBACCA takes them to a booth where HAN SOLO, a tough, roguish star pilot, has been observing them. They join him at the table.

LUKE

I'm not such a bad pilot myself.

HAN motions LUKE and BEN to leave as the song ends and the STORMTROOPERS approach. STORMTROOPERS check out the booth but LUKE and BEN are gone. HAN eyes them carefully. As the STORMTROOPERS exit stage right, CHEWBACCA flips them off behind their backs.

HAN

Seventeen thousand! (CHEWBACCA roars his amazement.) Those guys must really be desperate. This could really save my neck. Get back to the ship and get her ready.

CHEWBACCA growls in acknowledgement and exits. HAN stands to leave but GREEDO, a slimy green-faced alien with a short trunk-nose, enters. The patrons step aside to make a path for him.

GREEDO

Oota Goota, Solo?

GREEDO pulls out two pistols and begins waving them around, showing off. HAN, a la Indiana Jones, gives an exasperated expression, pulls out his blaster, and shoots GREEDO. HAN crosses to the WUHUR, and flips him a coin as he exits.

HAN

Sorry about the mess.

Blackout as the orchestra plays the "Raiders' March," and then segues back to the Cantina music.

Scene 6

SPACE -- MILLENNIUM FALCON

Lights up on the cockpit of the Millennium Falcon. HAN is in the pilot's chair, CHEWBACCA in the co-pilot seat. CHEWBACCA chatters away as he points to something on the radarscope. Sound of thundering engines. The ship is controlled by a steering wheel.

HAN

It looks like an Imperial cruiser. Our passengers must be hotter than I thought. Try and hold them off. Angle the deflector shield while I make the calculations for the jump to light speed.

HAN pulls out an abacus and works out the computations. CHEWBACCA realizes no one is steering and frantically reaches over to grab the wheel. LUKE and BEN enter the cockpit and sit behind HAN, who hastily puts away the abacus and takes back the wheel.

HAN

Stay sharp! There are two more coming in. They're going to try to cut us off.

LUKE

Why don't you outrun them? I thought you said this thing was fast.

HAN

Watch your mouth, kid, or you're going to find yourself floating home. We'll be safe enough once we make the jump to hyperspace. Besides, I know a few maneuvers. We'll lose them!

The ship shudders and the crew rocks in different directions as an explosion flashes outside the window.

HAN

Here's where the fun begins!

BEN

How long before you can make the jump to light speed?

HAN

It'll take a few moments to build dramatic tension.

The Millennium Falcon again rocks violently as explosions sound.

LUKE

Are you kidding? At the rate they're gaining...

HAN

Traveling through hyperspace isn't like dusting crops, boy! Without precise calculations we could fly right through a star or bounce too close to a supernova and that'd end your trip real quick, wouldn't it?

The ship is constantly battered with laser fire. The cockpit rocks and this time all of them lean in the same direction. They quickly congratulate each other for getting it right.

HAN

We're losing our deflector shield. Go strap yourself in, I'm going to make the jump to light speed.

They all lean back as streams of starlight light up the entire stage. They create a tunnel of light followed by a bright flash. The ship is in blackout while star streaks of light echo on stage's darkness.

Scene 7

SPACE -- MILLENNIUM FALCON

Lights up sidestage left. Millennium Falcon interior this time. THREEPIO watches CHEWBACCA and ARTOO who are engrossed in a game of electronic battleship. LUKE practices the lightsaber with a remote, which is dangled by a string on the end of a stick held by BEN. HAN enters looking rather smug.

HAN

Well, you can forget your troubles with those Imperial slugs. I told you I�d outrun 'em.

LUKE continues practicing with the lightsaber. The holo-game proceeds. No one responds to HAN.

HAN

Don�t everyone thank me at once.

HAN takes a seat and watches the game and LUKE practice. CHEWBACCA makes a move on the game board and growls in satisfaction, seeming very pleased with himself. ARTOO beeps his move. The game narrates play in an electronic Speak-n-Spell like voice.

GAME VOICE-OVER

D-8. Hit! You sunk a battleship!

CHEWBACCA stands up and roars angrily at ARTOO. LUKE stands in the middle of the small hold area; he seems frozen in place. A humming lightsaber is held high over his head. BEN watches him from the corner, studying his movements. HAN watches with a bit of smugness.

BEN

Remember, a Jedi can feel the Force flowing through him.

LUKE

You mean it controls your actions?

BEN

Partially. But it also obeys your commands.

The remote ball floats around LUKE, then suddenly fires bolts at LUKE, which he is too slow to dodge. HAN lets loose with a burst of laughter.

HAN

Hokey religions and ancient weapons are no match for a good blaster at your side, kid.

LUKE (pausing his exercises.)

You don�t believe in the Force, do you?

As the song ends, the seeker makes a dive at LUKE, firing thrice. Incredibly, LUKE manages to deflect all three bolts.

BEN

You see? You can do it.

HAN starts to scoff, but notices a small light flashing on the far side of the control panel, accompanied by a soft beeping.

HAN

Looks like we�re coming up on Alderaan.

HAN and CHEWBACCA exit.

LUKE

You know, I did feel something. I could almost hear the music.

BEN

That�s good. You have taken your first step into a larger world.

BEN smiles with a hint of pride, then suddenly turns away. He falters, seems almost faint, weakened, and is forced to sit. LUKE notices and stops practicing.

LUKE

Are you all right? What�s wrong?

BEN

I felt a great disturbance in the Force...as if millions of voices suddenly cried out in terror and were suddenly silenced. I fear something terrible has happened.

BEN rubs his forehead. He seems to drift into a trance. Then he fixes his gaze on LUKE. They exit, BEN leaning a bit on LUKE. Blackout.

Scene 8

DEATH STAR -- CONTROL ROOM

Lights up on what is clearly a control center. GUNNERS and OFFICERS go about their duties. TARKIN enters. LEIA is brought before him, flanked by VADER and STORMTROOPERS.

TARKIN

Princess Leia, before your execution I would like you to be my guest at a ceremony that will make this battle station operational. No star system will dare oppose the Emperor now.

LEIA

The more you tighten your grip, Tarkin, the more star systems will slip through your fingers.

TARKIN

Not after we demonstrate the power of this station. In a way, you have determined the choice of the planet that�ll be destroyed first. Since you are reluctant to provide us with the location of the Rebel base, I have chosen to test this station�s destructive power...on your home planet of Alderaan.

LEIA (her confidence and arrogance are immediately replaced with panic)

No! Alderaan is peaceful. We have no weapons. You can�t possibly--

TARKIN

You would prefer another target? A military target? Then name the system!

TARKIN waves menacingly toward LEIA.

LEIA sees Alderaan on the huge screen.

LEIA (softly)

Dantooine. (lowers her head) They�re on Dantooine.

TARKIN

There, you see Lord Vader? She can be reasonable. (addressing MOTTI) Continue with the operation. You may fire when ready.

LEIA

What?

TARKIN

You�re far too trusting. Dantooine is too remote to make an effective demonstration. But don�t worry. We will deal with your Rebel friends soon enough.

LEIA

No!

VADER holds LEIA back.

DEATH STAR INTERCOM VOICE (voice-over)

Commence primary ignition.

Three things happen in immediate succession: LEIA collapses center stage, face in hands; blackout; an Alderaan-shattering ka-boom resounds as presumably Alderaan is destroyed.

Scene 9

DEATH STAR -- CELL BLOCK

A down light shines directly over LEIA, who is still in a grief-stricken heap on the floor.

The music swells as the ghosts exit and leave just BAIL with LEIA. LEIA is sprawled out on the floor with two soft spots on her and BAIL. He backs away from her without looking away as the music fades, and the door closes, leaving LEIA alone, as the music fades out to a moment of just LEIA, head buried in her gown, on the floor, and music fades away as blackout.

Scene 10

SPACE -- MILLENNIUM FALCON

Lights up on the Millennium Falcon cockpit. HAN and CHEWBACCA are seated in their positions. Lights suggest they are still in hyperspace.

HAN

Stand by, Chewie, here we go. Cut in the sublight engines.

HAN pulls back on a control lever. The hyperspace lines disperse back into solitary points. The hum of engines slows, then the ship shakes. Small explosions as asteroids strike the ship.

HAN

What the...? Aw, we�ve come out of hyperspace into a meteor shower--some kind of asteroid collision. It�s not on any of the charts.

LUKE makes his way into the bouncing cockpit. Small "asteroids" fly at the cockpit.

LUKE

What�s going on?

HAN

Our position is correct, except...no Alderaan!

LUKE

What do you mean? Where is it?

HAN

That�s what I�m trying to tell you, kid. It ain�t there. It�s been totally blown away.

LUKE

What? How?

BEN moves into the cockpit behind LUKE as the ship begins to settle down.

BEN

Destroyed...by the Empire!

HAN

The entire starfleet couldn�t destroy the whole planet. It�d take a thousand ships with more firepower than I�ve... Strange. Everything in the system's gone except for that small moon.

BEN�s expression becomes more and more concerned as they get closer to the "moon." It has everyone�s attention, now, as they watch it grow before them

BEN

That�s no moon. It�s a space station.

HAN

It�s too big to be a space station.

HAN and CHEWBACCA drop their jaws as they realize the size of the Death Star.

LUKE

I have a very bad feeling about this.

BEN

Turn the ship around!

HAN

Yeah, I think you�re right. Full reverse! Chewie, lock in the auxiliary power.

CHEWBACCA is confused, and stares blankly ahead, uttering what sounds like "Uhh..."

HAN

Chewie, I said lock in the auxiliary power!

CHEWBACCA shrugs and pulls a lever. The Millennium Falcon shudders.

LUKE

Why are we still moving towards it?

HAN

We�re caught in a tractor beam! It�s pulling us in!

LUKE

But there�s gotta be something you can do!

HAN

There�s nothin� I can do about it, kid. I�m in full power. I�m going to have to shut down. But they�re not going to get me without a fight!

BEN puts a hand on HAN�s shoulder.

BEN

You can�t win. But there are alternatives to fighting.

HAN becomes angry and begins rattling off crazy ideas at BEN.

HAN

Like what? Hiding in the smuggling compartments I installed in the ship, jumping the guards when no one else is looking and skulking around the station disguised in their uniforms?

The four of them pause for a moment, then as one, their heads turn slowly to look at the audience.

HAN (excited)

I like this plan. I'm proud to be a part of it. Let�s go.

They exit to execute HAN's "plan." Blackout.

Scene 11

DEATH STAR -- HANGAR BAY 327

DEATH STAR INTERCOM VOICE (voice-over in blackout)

Clear Bay three two seven. We are opening the magnetic field.

Lights up as IMPERIALS mill about the Millennium Falcon, which is now in the Death Star�s main hangar bay. Thundering Imperial fanfare sounds, klaxons and activity. Several STORMTROOPERS stand at attention in a central assembly area.

DEATH STAR INTERCOM VOICE (voice-over)

Close all outboard shields! Close all outboard shields!

VADER approaches CAPTAIN EXPOSITION, who confers with IMPERIAL TECHNICIANS and several STORMTROOPERS who have just exited the Falcon. As EXPOSITION is reporting, a hairy arm is seen reaching out from the Falcon, and unsuspecting TROOPERS are dragged aboard.

CAPTAIN EXPOSITION (to VADER)

There�s no one on board, sir. According to the log, the crew abandoned ship right after takeoff. It must be a decoy, sir. Several of the escape pods have been jettisoned.

VADER

Good work, Captain Exposition. Send a scanning crew on board. I want every part of this ship checked.

CAPTAIN EXPOSITION

Yes, sir.

VADER

I sense something...a presence I haven�t felt since...Episode III...

VADER turns quickly and exits the hangar. CAPTAIN EXPOSITION gives silent orders to two CREWMEN, then exits. The CREWMEN carry a heavy box into the Falcon, and the sounds of blaster fire is heard. Meanwhile, a group of STORMTROOPERS enter in a procession like a boot camp drill march. One of them sings along to the cadence.

The STORMTROOPERS finish off with a burlesque kickline and exit. At his post, a GANTRY OFFICER at last notices the STORMTROOPER�s absence from guarding the Falcon and picks up the comm.

GANTRY OFFICER

TK-421, why aren�t you at your post? TK-421?

With a bone-chilling howl, CHEWBACCA pops out from the Falcon and frightens the GANTRY OFFICER while HAN, wearing a stormtrooper helmet over his normal clothes, enters and blasts him. BEN and the DROIDS enter the room, shortly followed by LUKE, also wearing only a stormtrooper helmet over his clothes. LUKE quickly removes his helmet.

LUKE

You know, between his howling and your blasting everything in sight, it�s a wonder the whole station doesn�t know we�re here.

HAN

Bring them on! I prefer a straight fight to all this sneaking around.

THREEPIO

We found the computer outlet, sir.

BEN

Plug in. He should be able to google the entire Imperial computer network.

THREEPIO places ARTOO next to the panel to interface. After a few moments, ARTOO beeps something.

THREEPIO

He says he�s found the main computer to power the tractor beam that�s holding the ship here.

BEN

I don�t think you boys can help. I must go alone.

HAN

Whatever you say. I�ve done more that I bargained for on this trip already.

LUKE

I want to go with you.

BEN

Be patient, Luke. Stay and watch over the droids. They must be delivered safely or other star systems will suffer the same fate as Alderaan. Your destiny lies along a different path than mine. (pause) The Force will be with you...always.

BEN puts on his hood, covers with face with his robe, and stalks off stage like a B-movie Dracula. CHEWBACCA barks a comment and HAN shakes his head in agreement.

HAN

Boy, you said it, Chewie. (to LUKE) Where did you dig up that old fossil?

LUKE

Ben is a great man.

HAN

Yeah, great at getting us into trouble.

Suddenly ARTOO begins to whistle. LUKE goes over to him.

LUKE

What is it?

THREEPIO

I�m afraid I�m not quite sure, sir. He says "I found her," and keeps repeating, "She�s here."

LUKE

Well, who? Who has he found?

ARTOO whistles "Don't Cry For Me, Princess Leia."

THREEPIO

Princess Leia.

LUKE

The princess? She�s here?

HAN

Princess? What�s going on?

THREEPIO

Level five. Detention block A-A-twenty-three. I�m afraid she�s scheduled to be terminated.

LUKE

Oh, no! We�ve got to do something.

HAN

A princess? What are you talking about?

LUKE

The droids belong to her. She's the one in the message. We've got to help her!

HAN (planting himself in a chair)

I'm not going ANYwhere.

LUKE

But they're gonna kill her!

HAN

Better her than me!

LUKE (after a thoughtful pause)

She's rich...

HAN (already on his feet and exiting)

I'm in!

THREEPIO

Master Luke, sir! Pardon me for asking...but, ah...what should Artoo and I do if we�re discovered here?

LUKE

Lock the door!

HAN

And hope they don�t have blasters.

THREEPIO

That isn�t very reassuring.

LUKE and HAN don their captured helmets and set off into the Death Star escorting CHEWBACCA. Lights shift to detention block AA-23, where CAPTAIN EXPOSITION and a few IMPERIAL TECHS stand around a console. HAN and LUKE enter escorting their "prisoner," CHEWBACCA.

HAN

This is not gonna work.

LUKE

Why didn't you say so before?

HAN

I DID say so before!

HAN, LUKE, and CHEWBACCA enter the cellblock and are approached by CAPTAIN EXPOSITION.

CAPTAIN EXPOSITION

Where are you taking that...thing?

LUKE

Prisoner transfer from Cell Block ... (adlibbing) one-two-three-four.

CAPTAIN EXPOSITION

I wasn�t notified. I�ll have to clear it.

CAPTAIN EXPOSITION goes back to his console and begins to punch in the information. Suddenly CHEWBACCA throws up his hands, lets out with an ear-piercing howl, and punches CAPTAIN EXPOSITION across the face.

HAN

Look out! He�s loose!

The startled GUARDS are momentarily dumbfounded. LUKE and HAN have already pulled out their laser pistols and are blasting past CHEWBACCA to hit the camera eyes, laser gate controls, and the GUARDS. HAN rushes to the comlink system, which is screeching questions about what is going on. He quickly checks the computer readout.

HAN

We�ve got to find out which cell this princess of yours is in. Here it is...cell one-one-three-eight. You go get her. I�ll hold them here.

LUKE races down one of the cell corridors. HAN takes off his helmet and speaks into the buzzing comlink.

HAN (sounding official)

Everything is under control. Situation normal.

INTERCOM VOICE (voice-over)

What happened?

CHEWBACCA mimes what HAN should say, like charades. CHEWBACCA points a blaster at himself.

HAN (getting nervous)

Uh...had a slight wardrobe malfunct--? Oh, WEAPONS! WEAPONS malfunction. But, uh, everything�s perfectly all right now. We�re fine. We�re all fine here, now, thank you. How are you?

CHEWBACCA throws up his hands in disgust.

INTERCOM VOICE (voice-over)

We�re sending a squad up.

HAN

Uh, uh, negative, negative.

CHEWBACCA gestures his arms wide.

HAN (misreading the gesture)

We had a ... (adlib line)?

CHEWBACCA shakes his head, then turns his back to the audience and simulates peeing.

HAN (understanding)

A reactor leak! Give us a few minutes to lock it down. Large leak...very dangerous.

INTERCOM VOICE (voice-over)

Who is this? What�s your operating number?

HAN blasts the comlink.

HAN

Boring conversation anyway. (yelling down the hall) Luke! We�re going to have company!

LUKE stops in front of one of the cells and opens the door. Inside, LUKE finds the young princess. She had been sleeping but now looks at him with an uncomprehending look. LUKE�s arms fall to his side as he stands gawking at her.

LEIA (finally)

Aren't you a bit...underdressed to be a stormtrooper?

LUKE cocks his head, confused.

LUKE

Huh? Oh...the uniform. (takes off his helmet)I�m Luke Skywalker. I�m here to rescue you.

LEIA

That is the worst pick-up line I've ever heard.

LUKE

I�m here to rescue you. I�ve got your R2 unit. I�m here with Ben Kenobi.

LEIA (excited)

Ben Kenobi? Where is he?

LUKE

Come on!

LEIA follows LUKE. An ominous buzzing sound is heard on the other side of the elevator door. CHEWBACCA responds with a growling noise.

HAN

Get behind me! Get behind me!

A series of explosions blast the door and several STROMTROOPERS emerge. HAN and CHEWBACCA exchange fire with them, but are forced back, meeting up with LUKE and LEIA rushing toward them.

HAN

Can�t get out that way.

LEIA

Looks like you managed to cut off our only escape route.

HAN (sarcastically)

Maybe you�d like it back in your cell, Your Highness.

LUKE and LEIA crouch together in an alcove for protection as they exchange blaster fire with STORMTROOPERS. HAN and CHEWBACCA are barely able to keep them at bay at the far and of the hallway. The laser fire is very intense. LEIA grabs LUKE�s gun and fires at a small grate in the wall next to HAN, nearly frying him.

HAN

What are you doing?

LEIA

Someone has to save our skins. Into the garbage chute, flyboy.

LEIA tosses LUKE�s gun back to him, then motions the group to move further into the cell bay. HAN and LUKE exchanged confused expressions, but do so, continuing cover fire. LEIA puts her hands out and forcibly lowers the barrels of their weapons. The noise of blasterfire drops of considerably.

LEIA

I said, Into the garbage chute, Flyboy.

LEIA then motions everyone to conceal themselves, and presses herself further into the wall alcove. The STORMTROOPERS begin to notice the drop off in return fire and advance to investigate. Two stand ready while the third takes a closer look at the blasted grating.

STORMTROOPER CAPTAIN

They went down the garbage chute. Come on!

The STORMTROOPERS beat a hasty retreat offstage to head off the heroes' "escape." LEIA holds out her hands as if to indicate "that's how it's done" then storms off. CHEWBACCA, LUKE, and HAN follow more slowly.

HAN

Wonderful girl. Either I�m going to kill her, or I�m beginning to like her.

Blackout.

Scene 12

DEATH STAR

Lights up on a Death Star corridor as BEN enters. He spots the Millennium Falcon but he stops when he spots another figure approach. DARTH VADER enters opposite, his red lightsaber already ignited. BEN also ignites his blue lightsaber and steps slowly forward.

BEN lifts his saber from VADER�s then watches his opponent with a serene look on his face. VADER brings his saber down, cutting old BEN in half. His cloak drops to the floor.

LUKE

No!

STORMTROOPERS who have stopped to watch turn and fire and LUKE and the rebels. HAN joins the firefight. The others exit into the Millennium Falcon. VADER pokes his foot at the cloak.

HAN (to LUKE)

Come on!

THREEPIO

Oh my!

LEIA

Come on! Luke, it�s too late!

HAN

Blast the door, Kid!

BEN (voice-over)

Run, Luke! Run!

LUKE looks around to see where the voice came from. Finally, he turns toward the Falcon, ducking the charging STORMTROOPERS and follows the others into the ship. HAN and CHEWBACCA find their seats in the cockpit. HAN pulls back on the controls and the ship begins to power up. There is the dull thud of laser bolts bouncing off the outside of the ship as CHEWBACCA adjusts his controls. Lights fade on stage and focus on Falcon cockpit.

HAN

I hope the old man got that tractor beam out if commission or this is going to be a real short trip. Okay, hit it!

Sounds of blasters firing on the Falcon as it takes off. The lights fade. After a moment, lights up on the Death Star Control Room, where TARKIN stands pensively watching the huge view screen. Enter DARTH VADER.

TARKIN

Are they away?

VADER

They have just made the jump into hyperspace.

TARKIN

You�re sure the homing beacon is secure aboard their ship? I�m taking an awful risk, Vader. This had better work...

Blackout.

Scene 13

FOURTH MOON OF YAVIN -- MASSASSI OUTPOST

Lights up on the Rebel�s Yavin briefing room. DODONNA stands before a large electronic wall display, preparing to brief the pilots. LEIA enters from the Falcon, followed closely by HAN. He is clearly continuing a conversation they started on the ship. CHEWBACCA, ARTOO, and THREEPIO hang back, out of range of the argument.

HAN

Look, sister! I ain�t in this for your revolution, and I�m not in it for you, Princess. I expect to be well paid. I�m in it for the sequel and merchandising rights!

LEIA

You needn't worry about your reward. If money is all that you love then that's what you'll receive.

DODONNA notices LEIA as she crosses to him. They rush to greet one another.

DODONNA (embracing LEIA)

You're safe! (He takes a moment, then straightens to a more formal posture.) When we heard about Alderaan, we feared the worst...

LEIA (sympathetic, but firm)

We don't have time for our sorrows, General. You must use the information in this R2 unit to plan the attack. It is our only hope.

DODONNA takes off the dome of ARTOO and pulls out a Death Star For Dummies book. ARTOO is then taken offstage. A whistle sounds and the PILOTS file into seats to be briefed. LUKE enters with a few stragglers, now dressed in an orange flight suit, and sits among many Rebel PILOTS, including BIGGS and WEDGE, assembled there. A chalkboard is wheeled in with the Death Star plans drawn on it. Conversations cease as DODONNA steps up to the chalkboard. HAN and CHEWBACCA pause to listen.

Lights up on the Death Star Control Room, with lights still on the Rebel base. TARKIN and DARTH VADER watch the red planet on their screen. A circle of lights intertwines around one another on the screen showing it�s position in relation to Yavin and the fourth moon. IMPERIAL OFFICERS work the guns and controls.

As the REBELS and IMPERIALS sing, REBEL PILOTS disperse to their ships on the main hangar deck. LEIA and THREEPIO take positions around the command console in the war room. BIGGS and RED LEADER enter in their X-wings. HAN and CHEWBACCA have returned to loading cargo boxes into the Falcon. LUKE passes HAN and they exchange a look of disappointment then LUKE walks to his fighter. CHEWBACCA growls mournfully.

LUKE

So that's it? You got your reward and you're just leaving, then?

HAN

That's right. What good is a reward if you ain't around to use it?

LUKE

All right. Well, take care of yourself, Han. I guess that's what you're best at.

LUKE starts to stalk away towards his ship.

HAN

Hey, Luke. (LUKE pauses.) May the Force be with you.

LUKE hesitates, then exits to be fitted into his X-wing. CHEWBACCA lets out a mournful growl at HAN, who scowls back. HAN and CHEWBACCA continue loading, and then board the Falcon. Lights out on the ship.

VADER

This will be a day long remembered. It has seen the end of Kenobi and it will soon see the end of the Rebellion.

Lights out on Death Star Control Room. In the Rebel Control Room, LEIA, THREEPIO, and DODONNA stand quietly before the strategic display table showing the planet Yavin and its four moons. PILOTS respond from their cockpits and react to the action on the screen as though it were all around them. Throughout the battle, lights flash around the cockpits signaling the battle around them.

RED LEADER

All wings, lock S-foils in attack position.

WEDGE

Look at the size of that thing!

RED LEADER

Cut the innuendo, Red Two.

The battle rages on as DODONNA sings. The PILOTS react in their cockpits.

BIGGS

Watch your back, Luke! Fighters above you, coming in!

The fighter scores a hit on LUKE.

LUKE

I�m hit, but not bad. Artoo, see what you can do with it. Hang on back there!

A new type of engine sound is heard as another cockpit is lit. It contains DARTH VADER. VADER calmly flies in pursuit of his prey.

VADER

Stay in attack formation!

Lights up on Death Star Control Room; TARKIN watches as CAPTAIN EXPOSITION approaches.

CAPTAIN EXPOSITION

We�ve analyzed their attack, sir, and there is a danger. Should I have your ship standing by?

TARKIN

Evacuate? In our moment of triumph? I think you overestimate their chances!

DEATH STAR INTERCOM VOICE (voice-over)

Rebel base, three minutes and closing.

DODONNA

Red Leader, this is Base One. Keep half your group out of range for the next run.

RED LEADER

Copy, Base One. Luke, take Red Two and Three. Hold up here and wait for my signal to start your run.

RED LEADER steers as though into the trench.

RED LEADER

Keep your eyes open for those fighters!

Lights intensify on VADER and we hear the sounds of his and his WINGMEN�s ships dive in a tight formation towards the X-wings. RED LEADER peers into his targeting device in front and makes several adjustments.

RED LEADER

I�m in range. Target�s coming up! Just hold them off for a few seconds.

VADER adjusts his control lever as he moves in and fires. An explosion sounds and a flash outside LEADER�s cockpit indicates the loss of one of his wingmen.

VADER closes in, firing. RED LEADER lines up his target on the targeting device cross hairs. Ignoring the explosion outside his cockpit, RED LEADER takes his shot.

RED LEADER

It�s away!

VADER targets RED LEADER and blasts him. RED LEADER�s cockpit goes black. LUKE looks out the window of his X-wing at the explosion far below. For the first time, LUKE feels the helplessness of his situation.

DODONNA

Fighters, copy. Red Leader�s torpedo did NOT go in...

DEATH STAR INTERCOM VOICE (voice-over)

Rebel base, one minute and closing.

In the darkness, WEDGE has replaced RED LEADER in his cockpit.

LUKE

All right, boys. We�re going in, and we�re going in full throttle. That oughta keep those fighters off our back.

WEDGE

Right with you, boss.

BIGGS

Luke, at that speed will you be able to pull out in time?

LUKE

It�ll be just like Beggar�s Canyon back home.

As the the three fighters move into the trench, a barrage of laser bolts fly at them. VADER�s TIE fighter and WINGMEN approach; lights intensify on VADER's cockpit.

WEDGE

Here they come!

LUKE looks through his targeting device to mark off the distance to the exhaust port. WEDGE sees the TIE fighters approaching as VADER zooms closer. VADER adjusts his controls and fires at the two X-wings. VADER scores a direct hit on WEDGE, who�s cockpit rocks with an explosion.

WEDGE

I�m hit! I can�t stay with you.

LUKE

Get clear, Wedge. You're in the entire trilogy!

WEDGE

Sorry!

WEDGE banks out of the trench and exits. VADER watches him escape.

VADER

Let him go! Stay on the leader!

LUKE speeds down the trench while VADER tails close behind. BIGGS looks back at the TIE fighters, worried.

BIGGS

Luke, I've prob'ly got a big solo in the sequel, right? Luke?

VADER squeezes the fire button on his controls. Lights out on BIGGS� cockpit as it explodes around him. LEIA and the others stare at the computer board. LUKE is stunned by BIGGS� death. His remorse and anger grow. TARKIN watches with satisfaction.

DEATH STAR INTERCOM VOICE (voice over)

Rebel base, thirty seconds and closing.

VADER takes aim on LUKE in the trench and talks to the WINGMEN.

VADER

I�m on the leader.

LEIA and DODONNA exchange doubtful, then determined glances. THREEPIO is nervous.

THREEPIO

Hang on, Artoo!

VADER coaxes his controls towards LUKE's X-wing. LUKE adjusts the lens of his targeting device, then LUKE hears a voice; BEN enters on the sidestage as a ghost.

DODONNA

His computer�s off. Luke, you switched off your targeting computer. What�s wrong?

LUKE

Nothing. I�m all right.

VADER targets LUKE�s X-wing and fires. Lasers strike at the X-wing, hitting ARTOO. ARTOO shrieks.

LUKE

I�ve lost Artoo!

ARTOO�s beeping sounds die out. LEIA and the others stare intently at the projected screen, while THREEPIO watches her. Lights representing the Death Star and targets glow brightly.

REBEL INTERCOM VOICE (voice-over)

The Death Star has cleared the planet. The Death Star has cleared the planet.

TARKIN glares at the projected target screen.

DEATH STAR INTERCOM VOICE (voice-over)

Rebel base, in range.

TARKIN

You may fire when ready.

DEATH STAR INTERCOM VOICE (voice-over)

Commence primary ignition.

An OFFICER reaches up and pushes buttons on the control panel, as green-lit buttons turn to red. VADER adjusts his control sticks and takes careful aim on LUKE�s X-wing fighter.

VADER

I have you now.

VADER pushes the fire buttons. Blasts lance out at LUKE. Suddenly, there's a flash outside VADER�s cockpit and a voice-over scream signifies one of his WINGMEN is hit and explodes. LUKE looks about. VADER, taken by surprise, looks out from his cockpit.

VADER

What?

Lights up full on the cockpit of the Millennium Falcon. The Falcon bears down on VADER�s group. HAN and CHEWBACCA grin. HAN yells into a headset.

HAN (yelling)

Yahoo!

CHEWBACCA echoes his yelp. In the confusion, the WINGMAN panics.

WINGMAN (voice-over)

Look out!

The WINGMAN veers radically to one side, colliding with VADER�s TIE fighter in the process, then crashes into the trench and explodes. Lights dance over VADER�s cockpit as he spins around in circles and spirals out of the trench and into deep space. When HAN speaks into his headset mike LEIA and DODONNA look up surprised.

HAN

You�re all clear, kid. Now let�s blow this thing and go home!

LUKE looks up, relieved.

LUKE concentrates on the exhaust port, then fires his torpedoes. Sounds of torpedoes speeding off and hitting their mark. LUKE throws his head back in relief.

DODONNA

It�s in!

DEATH STAR INTERCOM VOICE (voice-over)

Stand by to fire at Rebel base.

In the Death Star Control Room, an Imperial OFFICER at the control panel board pulls the attack lever. Several STORMTROOPERS, flanking a pensive TARKIN, busily push control levers and buttons.

DEATH STAR INTERCOM VOICE (voice-over)

Standing by.

The rumble of a distant explosion begins. The Death Star bursts into a supernova, creating a spectacular heavenly display. The entire stage is lit with light and pyrotechnics, timpani pound, drums pound, and sound effects echo. The Death Star is destroyed. As bright light dissipates, the Death Star Control Room is no longer lit.

HAN

Great shot, kid. That was one in a million.

LUKE is at ease, and his eyes are closed.

BEN

Remember, the Force will be with you...always.

The music ends on a rousing note, and we fade to black.

Scene 1

ENTR'ACTE

Overture plays.

ICE PLAINS OF HOTH

The music segues to a dark stage and mechanical probe sounds, which gives way to a pulsing rhythmic beat as LUKE and HAN enter and begin to speak-sing a la "Rent". While they sing, LUKE clicks through a slide show of Hoth images -- the Rebel base, the desolate landscape, HAN and CHEWBACCA giving a thumbs-up to the camera, LEIA gesturing to get the camera out of her quarters, etc.

The song ends with an image of LUKE and a nervous-looking Tauntaun, and then the stage goes black.

LUKE (voice-over)

Hey, steady, girl. What's the matter? You smell something?

A monstrous howl is heard followed by a yelp from LUKE and the Tauntaun, cut short by the horrible snap of a neck being broken and the sound of dead weight being dragged away.

Scene 2

HOTH - ECHO BASE DOCKING BAY, COMMAND CENTER, AND CORRIDOR

REBEL TROOPERS rush about unloading supplies and otherwise securing their new base. The general area of stage left is set for docking area use, while the upstage right area is properly divided to serve as the command center. From downstage right HAN enters, dressed for the cold, and pulls off his goggles, then removes his heavy jacket, leaving it to hang precariously on the Falcon's ramp stabilizer. He crosses up and enters the command center, 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. PRINCESS LEIA, wearing a white jacket and pants, stands at a nearby console but doesn't acknowledge HAN's entrance.

HAN

No sign of life out there, General.

GENERAL RIEEKAN

Commander Skywalker reported in yet?

HAN

No. He's checking out a meteorite that hit near him. General, I got to leave. I can't stay anymore. There's a price on my head. If I don't pay back Jabba the Hutt, I'm a dead man.

LEIA overhears and is distressed but tries not to show it.

GENERAL RIEEKAN

A death mark's not an easy thing to live with. You're a good fighter, Solo. I hate to lose you.

GENERAL RIEEKAN shakes HAN's hand.

HAN

Thank you, General.

HAN turns to LEIA as RIEEKAN moves away.

HAN (with feeling)

Well, Your Highness, I guess this is it.

LEIA

That's right.

HAN (coolly)

Well, don't get all mushy on me. So long, Princess.

HAN walks away into the quiet corridor adjoining the command center to the forestage area. LEIA stews a moment, then hurries after him. An ice drop flies in, secluding them in the corridor.

LEIA

Han!

HAN stops in the corridor and turns to face LEIA.

HAN

We need?

LEIA

Yes.

HAN

What about... you need?

LEIA

I don't know what you're talking about.

HAN

You probably don't.

LEIA

And what precisely do you know that I don't?

Music continues to end of phrase as HAN speaks.

HAN

That's just wrong!

Music pauses as HAN storms away.

HAN

I can arrange that. You could use a good kiss!

Music continues.

THREEPIO, with ARTOO in tow, is nearly run over by HAN in the hall as LEIA exits. HAN is in no mood to speak with anyone.

THREEPIO

Excuse me, sir.

HAN

What do you want?

THREEPIO

Oh, excuse me, sir. Well, I was wondering about Master Luke. He hasn't come back yet. Nobody knows where he is.

HAN (concerned)

What do you mean, "nobody knows"? Are the speeders ready?

ARTOO beeps a negative.

THREEPIO

Not yet. The prop department is waiting for the glue to dry.

HAN grabs his heavy coat from where he hung it on the Falcon.

HAN

Then we'll have to go out on Tauntauns.

THREEPIO

But Captain Solo, the temperature's dropping too rapidly.

HAN

That's right. And my friends out in it.

HAN moves to exit to find a Tauntaun offstage.

THREEPIO

Your Tauntaun'll freeze before you reach the first marker.

HAN

Then I'll see you in hell!

HAN exits. THREEPIO looks worriedly at ARTOO.

THREEPIO

Impossible man. Come along, Artoo. Between ourselves, I think Master Luke is in considerable danger.

ARTOO bloops worriedly. Blackout.

Scene 3

BRIDGE OF THE EXECUTOR

Imperial March sounds as the stage's second level, which has remained dark until now, appears as the bridge of Vader's flagship, the newly constructed Super Star Destroyer. VADER oversees the operations. ADMIRAL OZZEL confers with GENERAL VEERS while CAPTAIN EXPOSITION looks on as a COMM CHIEF spots an anomaly. CAPTAIN EXPOSITION calls over OZZEL.

EXPOSITION

Admiral? We've found something, sir. Not much, but it's the best lead we've had.

OZZEL crosses to EXPOSITION, leans over the console to check his findings, then shakes his head in disgust.

OZZEL

That could be anything! I want proof not leads! If we followed up every--

VADER crosses during OZZEL's line.

VADER (cutting off OZZEL)

You've found something, Captain Exposition?

EXPOSITION

Yes, milord.

VADER leans to examine the same data, then straightens suddenly.

VADER

That's it! The Rebels are there.

OZZEL

Milord, there so many uncharted settlements. It could be smugglers, it could be--

VADER (waving OZZEL off)

That is the system. And I'm sure Skywalker is with them. Admiral Ozzel, set your course for the Hoth System. General Veers, prepare your men.

VADER turns to exit without waiting for acknowledgement. OZZEL nods assurance to VEERS to comply.

Scene 4

HOTH - ECHO BASE

LUKE is reclining in a cushy chair, recovering from his recent ordeal. His head is back, dozed off in his seat, but his sleep is restless as he remembers his quasi-dream on the ice plains.

LUKE (talking in his sleep)

Ben...Yoda...Dagobah System...BEN!

He starts himself awake at the last, looking around franticly getting his bearings. He recovers in time for THREEPIO and ARTOO to enter the room. LUKE offers them a weak smile as ARTOO beeps his good wishes. HAN and CHEWBACCA follow the droids in and CHEWBACCA growls a greeting.

THREEPIO

Master Luke, sir, it's good to see you fully functional again. Artoo expresses his relief, also.

HAN

How are you feeling, kid? Doesn't look like that Wampa creature was all that bad to you. 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 your delusions, laser brain.

CHEWBACCA is amused; he laughs in his manner. HAN, enjoying himself, regards CHEWBACCA good-humoredly.

HAN

Laugh it up, fuzz ball. But you didn't see us alone in the south passage. She expressed her true feelings for me.

LUKE is upset by this and looks at LEIA. 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

Well, I guess you don't know everything about women yet.

LEIA leans over and kisses LUKE, 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. HAN isn't sure how to respond. 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, CHEWBACCA, ARTOO, and THREEPIO hurry out of the room, bidding farewell to Luke.

HAN

Take it easy.

THREEPIO

Excuse us, please.

Lights out on med center.

HAN, CHEWBACCA, LEIA AND THREEPIO reappear in the command center. GENERAL RIEEKAN looks up grimly from a console screen where REBEL TECHS work. He calls over to LEIA and HAN as they enter.

RIEEKAN

Princess...we have a visitor. We've picked up something outside the base in zone twelve, moving east.

HAN

It could be a speeder, one of ours.

DERLIN

There's something very weak coming through.

THREEPIO steps up to the control panel and listens intently to the strange signal. It is the five-note phrase from Close Encounters. The transmission ends in static.

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.

LEIA

An Imperial probe droid.

HAN

It's a good bet the Empire knows we're here.

RIEEKAN

We'd better start the evacuation. Assemble the pilots in the docking bay.

Blackout.

Scene 5

EXECUTOR BRIDGE

Lights up on the second level Executor. Imperial March sounds as the stage's second level, which has remained dark until now, appears as the bridge of Vader's flagship, the newly constructed Super Star Destroyer. GENERAL VEERS reports to VADER.

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 Veers, prepare your troops for a surface attack. I will speak to Admiral Ozzel and Captain Exposition.

VEERS

Yes, my lord.

VEERS is dismissed. OZZEL and EXPOSITION appear before the dark lord in the blue light of holograms.

EXPOSITION

Thank you, Lord Vader.

Blackout.

Scene 6

HOTH - ECHO BASE, PERIMETER, ICE PLAINS

As LUKE enters, dressed in his orange flight suit, he spots a small group of PILOTS waiting for him. They huddle around in a semi-circle at LUKE's approach. LUKE adds his own hand to the pile of hands in the center.

LUKE

Everyone here?

Acknowledgements. LUKE speaks in rhythm.

LUKE

All right squadron, let's get to it.

Pick a target, blow right through it.

ALL

ROGUE!

The pilots scatter as the docking bay goes dark. LUKE and WEDGE go to their speeder sets on either side stage as focus switches to the fore stage and the line of TROOPERS standing ready. A few moments of eerie silents is broken by the faint but growing rhythm of the walkers' approach. The rhythm becomes the Walker music, which in turn becomes song.

Sound effect of cable shooting and hitting its target.

WEDGE

Good shot, Wes. (pause) One more pass.

WES (voice-over)

Coming around. (pause) Cable out! Let her go!

WEDGE

Detach cable.

WES (voice-over)

Cable detached.

Sound effects of the speeder coming around and firing precede light effects simulating the walker explosion. The troops in the trenches cheer at the sight of the crashing walker.

WEDGE

Whooha!! That got him!

LUKE

I see it, Wedge. Good work.

Meanwhile HAN overhears the damage reports and races to the command center. The walkers have reached the perimeter and are ready to blow the shield.

TECH (voice-over)

Imperial troops have entered the base. Imperial troops have en-

The message cuts off into static.

HAN

That's it....

LEIA (hesitantly)

Give the evacuation code signal, and get to your transports.

HAN, LEIA, and THREEPIO exit the command center and cross off stage left in front of the Falcon. Lights out on the command center.

Sound of the Falcon blasting off. Lights fade on Hoth, leaving HAN, LEIA, CHEWBACCA, and THREEPIO in the Falcon cockpit to make their escape. CHEWBACCA lets out a loud howl as the ship is rocked by pursuit fire.

HAN (harried)

I saw them! I saw them!

LEIA

Saw what?

HAN

Star Destroyers, two of them, coming right at us. (beat) Prepare to make the jump to light-speed.

THREEPIO

But, sir!

LEIA

They're getting closer!

HAN (with a gleam in his eye)

Oh yeah? Watch this.

HAN makes a big show of pulling the lever to go into hyperspace; everyone pauses expectantly. The sounds of crickets chirping can be heard. HAN and CHEWBACCA look at each other with grave concern.

LEIA

Watch what?

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!

HAN leaps up, pushing passed THREEPIO, presumably off to effect repairs. CHEWBACCA follows as Blackout.

Scene 7

DAGOBAH - BOG CLEARING

The mist has dispersed a bit, but it is still a very gloomy-looking swamp. A section of the fore stage is open as the swamp, billowing with the fog, only the tail end of the X-wing visible sticking cockeyed out of the bog. LUKE has set up camp down right, near the ship. He is dressed in a green-brown outfit. LUKE opens a container of processed food and sits before the thermal heater. ARTOO beeps a criticism.

LUKE

Yes, I know it isn't the best landing, but look around. Not even your sensors could pick up anything during our descent. But Ben wanted me to come here to Dagobah to train. Then we�ll regroup with the others at the rendezvous point. (sighs) Now all I have to do is find this Yoda...if he even exists. (hesitates) Still...there's something familiar about this place. I feel like...I don't know...

YODA

Feel like what?

LUKE jumps, whirls around and points his blaster. Enter YODA, a small greenish puppet performed by a performer clad all in black. The puppeteer carries YODA around and provides the voice. YODA cringes from the blaster.

LUKE (looking at YODA)

Like we're being watched!

YODA

Away with your weapon! I mean you no harm.

After some hesitation, LUKE lowers his weapon, although he really doesn't understand why, but he doesn't put it away.

YODA

I am wondering, why are you here?

LUKE

I'm looking for someone.

YODA

Looking? Found someone, you have, I would say, hmmm? (laughs) Help you I can. Yes, mmmm. Find your friend.

LUKE

I'm not looking for a friend. I'm looking for a Jedi Master.

YODA

Oohhh. Jedi Master. Yoda. You seek Yoda.

LUKE

You know him?

YODA

Know him?

LUKE

Yoda! I am ready. I can be a Jedi.

LUKE straightens slightly at YODA's foreshadowing as the lights fade. Light's blackout long enough to imply time passing, then return. As mainstage is illuminated, LUKE is upside-down and showing enormous strain. He has taken off his coat and wears a green undershirt. LUKE stands on his hands, with YODA close at hand.

YODA

Use the Force. Yes...

Opposite LUKE and YODA are two rocks the size of bowling balls. LUKE stares at the rocks and concentrates. ARTOO, standing nearby, whistles and beeps frantically.

YODA

Now...the stone. Feel it.

One of the rocks lifts from the ground a few feet, shaking under the strain. But, distracted by ARTOO's frantic beeping, LUKE loses his balance and finally collapses and the rock falls down.

YODA

Concentrate!

Annoyed at the disturbance, LUKE looks over at ARTOO and notices that his X-wing fighter has sunk into the fog of the fore stage bog, and only the tip of its nose shows above the misty surface.

LUKE

Oh, no. I�ve been so distracted with the training that I didn�t even notice that my ship was sinking.

YODA

Distracted, were you? Hmph.

LUKE (not really listening)

We'll never get it out of the swamp now.

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 is 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.

LUKE

Ow!

YODA

...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, YODA raises his arm and points at the ship. Soon, the fighter rises above the mist covered water and moves forward as ARTOO beeps in terror. The entire X-wing moves majestically, surely out over to first few rows as the forestage trap closes, and the fighter moves full circle. 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.

LUKE

I don't...I don't believe it.

YODA

That is why you fail.

LUKE shakes his head, bewildered. Lights out.

Scene 8

EXECUTOR - VADER'S CHAMBERS

VADER stands alone in his chambers, waiting for something. The EMPEROR enters, dressed in a dark hooded robe, lit blue as a hologram. His voice is deeper and evil sounding. VADER smoothly bows before his master.

VADER kneels. The EMPEROR passes a hand over the crouched VADER and fades away. Blackout on second level and VADER.

Scene 9

MILLENNIUM FALCON

Lights come up on the Falcon's main hold area. CHEWBACCA is hard at work, as is LEIA in an offshoot section of the room. THREEPIO picks up a computer mouse and speaks into it.

THREEPIO

Hello, computer.

At first there is no response. Then, after a moment a voice sounding like HAL 9000 speaks.

COMPUTER VOICE (voice-over)

What are you doing, Threepio?

THREEPIO

Oh, where is Artoo when I need him?

As HAN enters, there is a loud lurch, and HAN is nearly thrown to the ground. THREEPIO is barely able to stay in his seat.

THREEPIO (after a pause)

Sir, I must say, landing in this field may not have been an optimal plan. I don't think this asteroid is entirely stable.

HAN

Not entirely stable? Well I'm glad you're here to tell us these things, Professor. Just figure out what the Falcon wants us to fix.

THREEPIO

Well, 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. If you wish to repair the hyperdrive, I'm afraid you'll have to replace it.

HAN

Well, of course I'll have to replace it.

HAN hands a wire coil to CHEWBACCA who is working nearby.

HAN

Here! And Chewie... (CHEWBACCA pauses and whines. HAN glances back at THREEPIO, then speaks quietly to CHEWBACCA so only he can hear.) I think we'd better replace the negative power coupling.

LEIA busies herself with repairs and is having difficulty locking down the system. Lights out on the Falcon interior. HAN approaches silently, attempts to help and LEIA shrugs him off. Instead HAN gently takes her hand. Their theme starts with a tango beat.

LEIA

Stop that.

HAN guides LEIA away from the terminal through the imaginary wall of the Falcon to center stage and they start to dance. The tango is a give-and-take in their sparing; angry yet passionate.

HAN

Stop what?

LEIA is flushed, confused, but she doesn�t resist. It�s a game now.

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 LEIA with a piercing look. He's never looked more handsome, more dashing, more confident. LEIA is affected by the dancing and starts to let herself go.

HAN

You're trembling.

LEIA

I'm not trembling.

They dance for a moment and when it gets too hot, LEIA pulls back.

LEIA

Don�t�. We have to repair the Falcon.

HAN

Relax, your Worship. Chewie�s got it all under control, and the Empire has no idea where we are.

LEIA (struggling to break free from the dance)

Would you please stop calling me that?

HAN hears a new tone in her voice and releases her from the tango.

HAN

Sure, Leia.

LEIA

Oh, you make it so difficult sometimes.

The music switches to �I Know.�

LEIA is cut off as the two kiss, music swells, starting to complete the phrase she left unfinished. Abruptly, the music stops as she pulls away.

LEIA (teasingly)

You cheated.

HAN

Pirate.

The music continues as HAN kisses her again. 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, LEIA ducks away. HAN wants to follow her, but he knows he can�t, so he marches out after THREEPIO and stops at a console to work on it. The interior lights go bright for a second then out again. HAN pounds the wall, and the lights come back on. THREEPIO and CHEWBACCA watch as HAN fiddles with some wires.

THREEPIO

Sir, if I may venture an opinion...

HAN (in no mood to deal with anyone)

I'm not really interested in your opinion, Threepio.

LEIA rushes back 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 LEIA speaks, there comes a sharp banging on the hull. CHEWBACCA 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.

The ship shakes as the ground outside rumbles. HAN stops to listen.

LEIA

What is that? An earthquake?

HAN (worried)

Indigestion.

HAN jumps back in the pilot's seat. The lights blackout as the Avenger bridge now claims the focus on the second level. CAPTAIN NEEDA is hovering about, ready to pounce on any lead, and he gets what he wants.

TRACKING OFFICER

Captain! I've got a faint sensor reading maneuvering through the field!

NEEDA (turning to pit crewman)

Get me the Executor! (After a moment, the pit crewman nods affirmation) This is Captain Needa on the Avenger. Where is Lord Vader?

COMM CHIEF (voice-over)

He's meeting with a group of... well, of bounty hunters, sir.

NEEDA

Bounty hunters? We don't need their scum!

COMM CHIEF (voice-over)

Oh, here comes Lord Vader now, sir.

TRACKING OFFICER

Sir, I've got a lock on the signal. It's them, sir!

VADER (voice-over)

What is it, Captain?

NEEDA (triumphantly)

M'lord, we have them.

Music explodes into the chase as the four passengers are back in the Falcon's cockpit as the lights come up. The ship shudders as flak explodes near the cockpit window. THREEPIO checks a tracking scope on the side control panel while LEIA watches tensely out the window.

THREEPIO

Oh, thank goodness we're coming out of the asteroid field.

CHEWBACCA barks excitedly as the rain of asteroids begins to subside. A bolt from the Star Destroyer sets up a fiery explosion on the backside of the Falcon, causing it to lurch to one side.

HAN

Better than being in the belly of a space worm. Ew. 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!

CHEWBACCA is very angry and starts to growl and bark at HAN. Again, HAN desperately pulls back on the throttle.

HAN

The transfer circuits are working. It's not my fault!

CHEWBACCA 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.

CHEWBACCA 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!

Lights dim on the Falcon and brighten again on the Avenger. 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. 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 roars by 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.

AVENGER COMM CHIEF

Captain, Lord Vader demands an update on the pursuit.

NEEDA starts to break down and blubber and shake, a la Stan Laurel, so overcome by having to face VADER.

NEEDA (trembling)

G-g-get a sh-sh-sh-shuttle ready. I shall assume f-f-full responsibility for losing them, and a-a-a-apologize to Lord (breaks down) Vaderrrr.

NEEDA turns and suddenly the Dark Lord VADER is standing before him. For seemingly no reason, he begins to choke, slowly collapsing to the floor.

VADER

Apology accepted, Captain Needa.

Imperial March plays as NEEDA becomes a puddle and VADER crosses back to Executor. The lights crossfade to the Falcon's cockpit. HAN, LEIA, and CHEWBACCA are quiet and nervously watchful, looking out the cockpit. But THREEPIO is put out.

THREEPIO

Captain Solo, this time you have gone too far. (CHEWBACCA growls) No, I will not be quiet, Chewbacca. Why doesn't anyone listen to me? Attaching the Millennium Falcon to the side of an Imperial Star Destroyer is madness.

HAN (to CHEWBACCA)

The fleet is beginning to break up. Go back and stand by the manual release for the landing claw.

CHEWBACCA barks, struggles from his seat, and climbs out of the cabin.

THREEPIO

I really don't see how that's 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 takes the co-pilot's seat.

LEIA

With the rest of the garbage. Then what?

HAN pulls out a West End Games RPG Star Wars source book and starts flipping through it.

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 stops at a page.

HAN

No. Well, wait. This is interesting.

HAN points to an entry in the RPG source book. LEIA looks over his shoulder, getting pretty close.

LEIA (prompting)

Lando?

HAN

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

Can you trust him?

HAN

No. But he has no love for the Empire, I can tell you that.

CHEWBACCA 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 a wry smile. LEIA thinks for a moment, shakes her head; a grin creeps across her face and she gives HAN a quick kiss on the cheek.

LEIA

You do have your moments. Not many of them, but you have them.

Sounds of the fleet jumping to hyperspace precede HAN reactivating the Falcon. Blackout.

Scene 10

DAGOBAH - BOG CLEARING

In the bright lights of the fighter presumably off stage left, LUKE is carrying loads off left, stocking his cargo for liftoff. 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 and they're in pain. I've got to help them.

YODA

If you leave now, help them you could. But you would destroy all for which they have fought and suffered.

LUKE

But Han and Leia will die if I don't.

BEN enters as a phantom.

BEN

You don't know that. Even Yoda cannot see their fate.

LUKE

Ben! But I can help them! I feel the Force!

BEN

But you cannot control it.

Music fades weakly as YODA speaks.

YODA (looks up)

No. There is another.....

Scene 11

BESPIN - CLOUD CITY, LANDING PLATFORM

Lights up on the Bespin landing platform. An orange glow illuminates the front mainstage. HAN and LEIA walk down the gangplank, then stand at the end of it, armed. Behind them, CHEWBACCA, also armed, surveys the scene warily. THREEPIO shuffles out with them. LEIA is now in her white pants and coat with her hair in braided rings.

HAN

Look, everything's going to be fine. Trust me.

LOBOT and BESPIN GUARDS have lined the way near stage right and now shift to reveal from seemingly nowhere, LANDO CALRISSIAN. A suave, dashing black man in his thirties, LANDO has a grim expression on his face as he moves towards his visitors.

HAN

See? My friend. (to CHEWBACCA) Keep your eyes open, okay?

CHEWBACCA growls as HAN walks down the ramp. LANDO and his men head across the bridge to meet the space pirate. 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.

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.

LANDO

How're you doing, Chewbacca? Still hanging around with this loser?

CHEWBACCA growls a reserved greeting. LANDO suddenly notices LEIA 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. You look absolutely beautiful. You truly belong here with us among the clouds.

LANDO bows before LEIA and kisses her hand.

LEIA (coolly)

Thank you.

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.

LANDO

Will you join me for a little refreshment? Everyone's invited, of course.

THREEPIO

Well, really!

LANDO, his aide, LOBOT, and HAN lead the way across to stage right, followed by THREEPIO, CHEWBACCA and LEIA.

LANDO (to LEIA)

You know, that ship saved my life quite a few times. She's the fastest hunk of junk in the galaxy.

HAN and LANDO laugh together, and the group moves off stage left. The lagging THREEPIO hears the muffled beeping and whistling of an R2 unit coming from offstage.

THREEPIO

That sounds like an R2 unit in there. I wonder if...

THREEPIO walks off stage curiously.

THREEPIO (off stage)

Hello? Oh, I'm terribly sorry. I...I didn't mean to intrude. No, no, please don't get up. No!

A laser bolt is heard as THREEPIO's words are cut off. Parts of THREEPIO scatter onto the stage.

The group reenters the hall -- without LOBOT or the GUARDS. LANDO leads the way, almost as a guide. LEIA moves to HAN, and they walk arm-in-arm, followed by CHEWBACCA.

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 upstage.

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.

"Be Our Guest" intro music begins.

LANDO (ceremoniously)

Ma chere Mademoiselle and Monsieur, it is with deepest pride and greatest pleasure that we welcome you tonight. And now we invite you to relax, let us pull up some chairs as Cloud City proudly presents -- Darth Vader.

Music immediately switches to Williams' for this scene. The mighty doors to the dining room slide open to reveal 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. VADER quickly raises his hand, deflecting the bolts into one of the side walls, where they explode harmlessly. Just as quickly, HAN's blaster flies out of his hands and slides across the table toward VADER.

VADER

We would be honored if you would be our guests.

LANDO

They arranged for call-ahead seating. I had no choice. I'm sorry.

HAN

I'm sorry, too.

STORMTROOPERS enter. They escort HAN offstage one way and LEIA and CHEWBACCA another. DARTH VADER strides over to where LANDO awaits him. BOBA FETT follows.

VADER (to FETT)

You may take Captain Solo to Jabba the Hutt after I have Skywalker. (to LANDO) Have your men prepared the carbon chamber?

LANDO (not quite following)

Yes, it's being readied as we speak.

VADER (starts to move)

The facility is crude, but it should be adequate to freeze Skywalker for his journey to the Emperor.

LANDO

Lord Vader, we only use this facility for carbon freezing. If you put him in there, it might kill him.

VADER (moving off again)

I do not want the Emperor's prize damaged. We will test it...on Captain Solo.

LANDO's face registers dismay. 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.

Scene 12

BESPIN -- CLOUD CITY - HOLDING CELL, CARBON CHAMBER

Dim lights up the front stage as a Cloud City prison cell. CHEWBACCA, moaning to himself, sits at a platform where he has some of THREEPIO back together. He has a roll of duct tape, some wire, and a tube of glue. CHEWBACCA touches two connectors together on the THREEPIO's back and 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 -- No, no...Please don't get up. No!

CHEWBACCA 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!

CHEWBACCA growls.

THREEPIO

Oh! Chewbacca! You're safe. Something's not right because now I can't see. Wait. Wait!

CHEWBACCA makes an adjustment to reconnect THREEPIO's optical circuits. Able to see now, THREEPIO looks at his body. One arm is connected, but the legs are yet to be attached. There is one small problem, however. It seems CHEWBACCA has managed to put THREEPIO's head on backwards.

THREEPIO

Oh, my! What have you done? I'm backwards, you stupid furball. Only an overgrown mophead like you would be stupid enough--

CHEWBACCA growls his irritation at THREEPIO's ingratitude and gets up to get away from the droid.

CHEWBACCA angrily deactivates a circuit and THREEPIO shuts down. CHEWBACCA smells something and sits up as the door to the chamber slides open and a ragged HAN is shoved into the room by two STORMTROOPERS, followed by LEIA. Barking his concern, CHEWBACCA gives HAN a big hug.

HAN

I feel terrible.

CHEWBACCA helps HAN to a platform. LEIA moves to HAN as he lies down 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.

HAN

Get out of here, Lando!

LANDO

Shut up and listen! Vader has agreed to turn Leia and Chewie over to me. 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. He doesn't want you at all. He's after somebody called Skywalker.

HAN

Luke.

LANDO

Lord Vader has set a trap for him.

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 GUARDS hit HAN with their rifle butts and he drops. CHEWBACCA growls and starts for the GUARDS who point their rifles at him, but LANDO stops them.

LANDO

Stop! I've done all I can. 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 exit the cell. HAN wipes the blood from his chin as LEIA and CHEWBACCA help him up.

LEIA (dabs at his wound)

You certainly have a way with people.

Lights off on the cell; lights up LANDO, alone now in the corridor outside the cell. We follow LANDO walking around Cloud City with many PATRONS singing back-up.

An enterprising operation that was... Taken from me by Darth Vader

LANDO

Whaddya mean? You help one friend, ev'ryone you know wants a hand...

LANDO is suddenly in the carbon freeze chamber, which is filled with pipes and chemical tanks. In the middle of the room is a round pit housing a hydraulic platform. A sign posted on it reads, "ACME Carbon Freezing Chamber." LANDO crosses to DARTH VADER standing near the platform.There is a great activity on the carbon-freezing platform. BESPIN TECHS frantically prepare the chamber for use. A special coffinlike container is put in place. With BOBA FETT in the lead, a squad of STORMTROOPERS brings in HAN, LEIA and CHEWBACCA. Strapped to CHEWBACCA's back, with only his head, torso, and one arm assembled, is THREEPIO. LANDO moves to them.

HAN (to Lando)

What's going on...buddy?

LANDO

You're being put into carbon freeze.

VADER

Put him in!

Realizing what is about to happen, CHEWBACCA lets out a wild howl and attacks the STORMTROOPERS surrounding HAN. BOBA FETT raises his blaster to fire on them, but VADER silently pushes the muzzle of the blaster down. Within seconds, other IMPERIAL OFFICERS join the scuffle, clubbing CHEWBACCA with their blasters. From the instant of CHEWBACCA's first move, THREEPIO begins to scream in panic while he tries to protect himself with his one arm.

THREEPIO

Oh, no! Stop, Chewbacca, stop...!

STORMTROOPERS are about to bash CHEWBACCA 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 HAN breaks up the fight.

HAN

Chewie! Chewie, this won't help me. Hey!

HAN gives CHEWBACCA 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 CHEWBACCA, who wails a doleful farewell. HAN turns to LEIA. They look sorrowfully at one another, then HAN moves toward her and gives LEIA a final, passionate kiss.

Tears roll down LEIA's face as she watches HAN walk to the hydraulic platform. HAN looks one final time at his friends -- and then, suddenly, the platform drops. CHEWBACCA howls. LEIA turns away in agony. LANDO winces in sorrow. Holding LEIA, CHEWBACCA 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.

BESPIN TECHS raise the metal-encased HAN out of the vat and step away. LANDO kneels, and checks the display on the carbonite block. He shakes his head in relief.

VADER

Well, Calrissian, did he survive?

LANDO

He's alive. And in perfect hibernation.

VADER (to FETT)

He's all yours bounty hunter. (to TECHS) 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, CHEWBACCA, and THREEPIO. LEIA's gaze is locked sorrowfully on the carbonite block. The group is ushered down left with BOBA FETT, slowly crossing a forestage corridor. As LUKE and ARTOO move carefully out onto the SL side stage, they hear a group of people entering the hallway. ARTOO lets out an excited series of beeps and whistles. BOBA FETT enters crossing SR, followed by two GUARDS carrying the encased body of HAN SOLO. BOBA FETT spots LUKE and opens fire on him. LUKE draws his weapon and exchanges fire, ducking behind a wall. The two GUARDS whisk HAN off right. LUKE steps cautiously on to mainstage, but BOBA FETT, HAN, and the GUARDS are gone. Instead, LEIA, CHEWBACCA, THREEPIO, and LANDO are being herded on from stage right by several STORMTROOPERS. LUKE retreats to the SL side stage for cover as fire opens up, and the group is herded toward the SR sidestage. 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, LEIA is pulled through a doorway and disappears from sight. LUKE races after the group, following their exit. Left alone on stage, ARTOO beeps a "hello?", then elicits a sad, lonely beep.

As the lights blackout on the side stages, LEIA, LANDO, and CHEWBACCA, with THREEPIO on his back, march along, guarded by STORMTROOPERS. The group reaches center, 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 and LOBOT quickly march the STORMTROOPERS away, LANDO begins to undo CHEWBACCA'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.

CHEWBACCA, his hands free, reaches out and begins to strangle LANDO.

LEIA

Do you think that after what you did to Han we're going to trust you?

LANDO tries to pull CHEWBACCA's strong grasp from his throat. LANDO makes loud, exaggerating choking noises, bugs out his eyes, puffs his cheeks, etc.

LANDO (choking)

I had no choice...

CHEWBACCA barks ferociously.

THREEPIO (to CHEWBACCA)

What are you doing? Trust him, trust him!

LEIA

Oh, we understand, don't we, Chewie? He had no choice.

LANDO (choking)

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 "ham." Perhaps he's hungry.

LANDO (choking)

There's still a chance to save Han ... At the East Platform...

LEIA

Chewie.

CHEWBACCA finally releases LANDO, who fights to get his breath back. LEIA and CHEWBACCA start to leave and THREEPIO calls back to LANDO.

THREEPIO

I'm terribly sorry about all this. After all, he's only a Wookiee.

LANDO, LEIA, and CHEWBACCA rush down to the sidestage where ARTOO was left behind.

THREEPIO

Artoo! Artoo! Where have you been?

ARTOO beeps a quick response.

THREEPIO

Well, at least you're still in one piece. Look at what happened to me!

LEIA picks up ARTOO, and she, LANDO, and CHEWBACCA race for the East Landing Platform side stage left. Just as they arrive, the black side stage explodes with orange color as BOBA FETT'S ship takes off. In wild anguish, CHEWBACCA howls and starts firing at the ship. STORMTROOPERS appear stage left; LANDO motions for LEIA and CHEWBACCA to move. STORMTROOPERS pursue them as they exit off the East Platform exit. LEIA, CHEWBACCA, and LANDO reappear, entering main stage left as the last of the STORMTROOPERS follow their exit. LANDO moves to a console on the left proscenium wall and begins to punch at the intercom.

The music starts as LANDO speaks into the intercom. The last line is the end of the spoken portion of the song.

LANDO

Attention! This is Lando Calrissian. The Empire has taken control of the city. I advise everyone to leave before more Imperial troops arrive. So you had better go back to your stars, your fighters, your battle stations...

During the following lines, they begin to cross SR in front of a scrim backdrop as a laser bolt explodes near LEIA. Everyone turns to see what THREEPIO has already spotted coming from the other direction: a squad of STROMTROOPERS running toward them. The group ducks into an alcove as STORMTROOPERS arrive at the end of the corridor. LEIA and CHEWBACCA start firing at the troopers as LANDO punches desperately at the door's control panel. 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.

As the CHORUS sings, LANDO, LEIA, and CHEWBACCA race for the Millennium Falcon, exchanging fire with a battalion of STORMTROOPERS. ARTOO moves to a console to open the door. The door slides aside, clearing the way for their escape. LANDO and LEIA hold off the STORMTROOPERS as ARTOO gets on board with CHEWBACCA and THREEPIO, then run up the gangplank as the song ends. Blackout.

Scene 13

CLOUD CITY - CARBON CHAMBER, REACTOR CONTROL ROOM AND SHAFT

LUKE cautiously walks forward among hissing pipes and steam toward the stairway. The room is deathly quiet. Looking up through the steam, LUKE sees a dark figure standing on a walkway above him. LUKE holsters his blaster and moves up the stairs to face VADER. He feels confident, eager to engage his enemy.

LUKE ignites his lightsaber in answer. In an instant, VADER's own lightsaber is lit. LUKE lunges, but VADER repels the blow. Again LUKE attacks, and the lightsabers clash in battle. LUKE and VADER are locked in combat on the platform overlooking the chamber. LUKE aggressively drives VADER back, forcing VADER to use defensive tactics.

LUKE

You'll find I'm full of surprises.

VADER makes two quick moves, hooking LUKE's lightsaber out of his hand and sending it flying. Another lightning move at LUKE's feet forces LUKE to jump back to protect himself. Losing his balance, LUKE rolls down the stairs to the circular carbon-freezing platform. Surprised and shaken, LUKE looks up to see VADER, who first looks down at LUKE, then to the stairs, then back to LUKE. VADER realizes there is no easy way down.

VADER

Just a moment. Hold that thought.

VADER hurries down the steps to be next to LUKE, who taps his foot impatiently waiting. VADER then gets back into combat mode. The pair square off, taking a few test swipes at each other, ala Princess Bride, then exchange a serious a swings.

VADER

Impressive...you are using Kenobi's Defense against me, eh?

LUKE

I thought it fitting, considering the industrial terrain...

Breathing hard, and gripping the hilt with both hands, LUKE slashes at VADER, who retreats before LUKE's skillful lightsaber.

VADER

Naturally you must expect me to attack with Exar Kun.

They engage again. LUKE handily blocks all of VADER's attacks.

LUKE

Naturally. But I find Windu cancels out Exar Kun. Don't you?

VADER

Unless the enemy can hurl large objects at you using the Force...

VADER, using only one hand, blocks the lightsaber, then motions and large object hurls across the room, bouncing off LUKE's shoulder, distracting his attack.

VADER

...which I can.

Behind LUKE is the freezing chamber orifice. VADER hurls objects at LUKE until he is knocked back into the carbon chamber. VADER immediately turns and activates the freezing procedure.

VADER

All to easy. Perhaps you are not as strong as the Emperor thought.

But LUKE isn't finished yet. He leaps out the chamber egress on the level below before it is activated.

VADER

Most impressive.

(VADER leaps down after him, landing in a crouch. LUKE takes the opportunity to retrieve his lightsaber. VADER rises slowly as his he intones his warning).

VADER

Your destiny lies with me, Skywalker. Obi-Wan knew this to be true.

LUKE

No!

VADER again lunges and engages LUKE in a volley of thrusts and parries. LUKE staggers away, allowing him to be pushed back. Another object hurls at LUKE, who dodges, but misses VADER disappearing into the shadows. LUKE is suspicious, retreats onto the gantry, and VADER attacks as if from nowhere. He carefully backs away from VADER, whose heavy breathing echoes moodily. VADER resumes attacking LUKE. LUKE nicks VADER�s shoulder with his blade, which annoys VADER. He pauses and rubs the black armor.

VADER

That�s going to be a pain to buff out.

VADER backs LUKE to the end of the gantry. LUKE is too overwhelmed to speak. He can barely keep up.

LUKE

Okay, I admit that you are better than I am...

VADER

Then why not surrender and join me?

LUKE

Because I know something you don't know... I am not right handed!

LUKE switches saber hands with great flare, just in time for VADER's lightsaber to come down across LUKE's left forearm, cutting off his hand and sending his lightsaber flying. In great pain, LUKE squeezes his forearm under his left armpit.

VADER

You are now.

LUKE edges back along the gantry to its extreme end. VADER follows. LUKE holds on. There is nowhere else to go.

LUKE

No! That's impossible!

LUKE

No! I'll never join you!

VADER puts away his lightsaber and holds his hand out to LUKE, but is interrupted by the defiant French horns sounding as a calm comes over LUKE. He makes a decision and let's himself fall into the abyss. Horns segue into Javert's suicide fall music. The lights blackout on stage as LUKE calls out.

LUKE (voice-over)

Leia!

Scene 14

FALCON COCKPIT, EXECUTOR BRIDGE

LEIA seems to be lost in a fog, her expression troubled. CHEWBACCA is busy operating the ship. LANDO stands next to CHEWBACCA, watching a readout on the control panel as LUKE's voice-over continues.

LUKE (voice-over)

Hear me! Leia!

LEIA

Luke...We've got to go back.

CHEWBACCA growls in surprise.

LANDO

What?

LEIA

I know where Luke is.

LANDO

But what about Vader?

CHEWBACCA turns on LANDO with an ominous growl.

LANDO

All right, all right, all right.

The lights switch from the cockpit to the Executor bridge, restored to the second level. EXPOSITION is maintaining order among his busied crew as they monitor the Falcon's movement. VADER is heard giving orders via communications.

EXPOSITION

They reversed course momentarily toward the city, but they're moving to an exit vector now, m'lord.

VADER

Monitor their movement and be prepared to close on them upon my arrival.

EXPOSITION

Yes, m'lord.

Lights to half on the bridge and up on cockpit. LEIA and CHEWBACCA are alone, waiting anxiously. LEIA leans over and speaks into the console intercom.

LEIA (into intercom)

Lando?

LANDO (voice-over intercom)

Okay, I've got him.

(Explosions erupt all around the cockpit, buffeting the ship wildly. CHEWBACCA howls as he frantically tries to control the ship. LEIA and CHEWBACCA turns to see LUKE, battered and clutching his arm, enter the cockpit supported by LANDO. LEIA jumps up and hugs him while CHEWBACCA barks in joyous relief. LEIA helps LUKE into one of the rear seats as another huge blast rocks the ship.

LANDO takes the pilot's seat--HAN's seat--next to CHEWBACCA, who 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.

CHEWBACCA barks in agreement.

LANDO

Punch it!

CHEWBACCA 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 with the WAH WAH WAH WAH sfx from a game show when one loses. CHEWBACCA lets out a frustrated howl. The flak still violently rocks the ship.

LANDO

They told me they fixed it. It's not my fault!

CHEWBACCA gets up from his chair and starts out of the cockpit. He gives LANDO an angry shove as he storms past him, nearly running over THREEPIO as the droid enters the cockpit, looking back at ARTOO (unseen) in the Falcon interior. ARTOO beeps a hurried message. Furious, THREEPIO stands on one leg, yelling and holding the other leg in his hand.

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!

Lights dim on the Falcon cockpit and return to full on the bridge. VADER strides across the bridge looking out the window as ADMIRAL EXPOSITION approaches him.

EXPOSITION

They'll be in range of our tractor beam in moments, m'lord.

VADER

Did your men deactivate the hyperdrive on the Millennium Falcon?

EXPOSITION

Yes, my lord.

VADER

Good. Prepare the boarding party and set for your weapons for stun.

EXPOSITION

Yes, my lord.

VADER watches the Millennium Falcon being chased by the TIE fighters and his breathing gets slightly faster. Spotlight on LUKE on the sidestage near the Falcon. He is weary and in pain. LUKE clutches his right arm under his left to hide his missing hand.

VADER

Luke.

LUKE seems to hear VADER's voice and knows that VADER's ship is very near. LUKE stares ahead, as though he can see VADER in his mind. LUKE is beaten, more emotionally than physically. He is almost unconscious with pain and depression.

LUKE

Father.

VADER

Son, come with me. It is your destiny.

LUKE (moaning)

Ben, why didn't you tell me?

EXPOSITION

Alert all commands. Ready the tractor beam.

(LANDO and LEIA are at the controls of the Falcon, with THREEPIO behind them. Suddenly, the control panel lights up. LEIA and LANDO are thrown into their seats as the Millennium Falcon unexpectedly shoots into hyperspace. The ship tilts up. Lights die on Falcon sets as THREEPIO yelps.

EXPOSITION glances at VADER in terror. VADER turns slowly and walks off the bridge, his hands held behind his back in a contemplative gesture. Blackout.)

Scene 15

MEDICAL FRIGATE

The music from the scene plays over as LUKE appears in white medical tunic. LEIA stands nearby with ARTOO and THREEPIO. LUKE looks down at his new hand; it is mechanical but appears identical to a human hand. LUKE wriggles his fingers, makes a fist, and relaxes it. His hand is completely functional. He walks over to LEIA and puts his arm around her. Together they stand at the large window of the medical center looking out on the audience. THREEPIO puts his arm on ARTOO's dome. As they gaze out, BEN'S SPIRIT enters and looks hopefully at LUKE, who steps forward thoughtfully.

BLACKOUT.

Scene 1

TATOOINE- JABBA's PALACE

After the lights dim, a series of aliens a la Julie Taymor puppets creep slowly on stage, softly chanting background vocals. Instead of African tribal chants, however, the vocals are a list of planets and systems.

As the song goes on, the many creatures, including JABBA, take their positions in the palace. The instrumental music continues. ARTOO and THREEPIO fearfully approach the massive palace.

THREEPIO

Artoo, are you sure this is the right place?

On the left are two GAMORREAN GUARDS. THREEPIO glances at the GUARDS with trepidation. ARTOO beeps nervously.

THREEPIO

Just you deliver Master Luke's message and get us out of here. Oh my!

BIB FORTUNA, a human-like alien with long tentacles protruding from his skull, enters and approaches THREEPIO.

BIB FORTUNA

Die Wanna Wanga!

THREEPIO

Oh, my! Die Wanna Wauaga. Artoo Detoowha bo ... Seethreepiowha ey ... toota odd mischka ... Jabba du Hutt. We are going door-to-door demonstrating our fine line of cleaning products. We -- we bring a message to your master, Jabba the Hutt.

ARTOO lets out a series of quick beeps. THREEPIO holds out a small package wrapped in a bright ribbon.

THREEPIO

... and a gift, as token of our gratitude -- yours free even if you decide not to use our services.

BIB FORTUNA shakes his head negatively.

BIB FORTUNA

Nee Jabba no badda. Me chaade su goodie.

BIB FORTUNA holds out his hand for the gift but ARTOO lets out a series of protesting squeaks. THREEPIO pulls the gift away.

THREEPIO

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

BIB FORTUNA 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 FORTUNA gestures for the droids to follow.

BIB FORTUNA

Nudd Chaa.

ARTOO and THREEPIO follow BIB FORTUNA into the darkness stage left, trailed by the two GUARDS.

THREEPIO

Artoo, I have a bad feeling about this.

ARTOO and THREEPIO enter the palace and are amazed by the many creatures. OOLA takes center stage to finish her number; she stands in front of JABBA's throne, on the trap door.

The song ends with a huge reverberating thump -- what the Bat Boy orchestrations call an "L.K.Boom" -- as the trap door opens, dropping VALARIAN to the rancor pit below. Blackout.

Scene 2

TATOOINE - JABBA'S PALACE

(Lights up a moment later. 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. At the foot of the dais sits an obnoxious birdlike creature, SALACIOUS CRUMB. BOBA FETT can be seen in the background. And hidden, one of the GUARDS is actually LANDO.

ARTOO tweedles at THREEPIO as they pair are surrounded by this menagerie of aliens.)

THREEPIO

No, I don't think this is "fun" at all. Lando Calrissian and poor Chewbacca never returned from this awful place.

ARTOO moans a response.

THREEPIO

And if I told you half the things I've heard about this "Jabba the Hutt," you'd probably short circuit...

BIB FORTUNA whispers something in JABBA's ear. JABBA laughs horribly, at the two terrified droids before him.

ARTOO whistles, and a projection plays from his domed head. LUKE enters, lit blue for a hologram.

THREEPIO

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

LUKE's hologram disappears. JABBA laughs while BIB FORTUNA speaks to him in Huttese.

JABBA

There will be no bargain.

JABBA laughs hideously and looks toward an alcove beside the throne. Hanging high, flat against the wall is a carbonized HAN SOLO, with a little lamp and a museum plaque.

THREEPIO

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

The court of Jabba the Hutt continues its drunken, raucous party. THREEPIO is escorted by GAMORREAN GUARDS to stand behind JABBA as his interpreter. A GAMORREAN GUARD takes ARTOO away. JABBA takes in all of his underlings and is satisfied, then continues the lesson, letting THREEPIO know about the organization of which he's now part.

The music is interrupted by a blaster shot offstage. The crowd moves aside to allow the bounty hunter BOUSHH to enter, leading his captive, CHEWBACCA, by a chain. BIB FORTUNA takes his place next to JABBA and whispers into his ear, pointing at CHEWBACCA and BOUSHH. JABBA listens intently, then BOUSHH bows before the gangster and speaks a greeting in a strange, electronically processed tongue (Ubese).

BOUSHH (in Ubese accent)

I have come for the bounty on this Wookiee.

THREEPIO

Oh, no! Chewbacca!

JABBA

At last we have the mighty Chewbacca.

JABBA lets out a loud, long, blood-curdling laugh and turns to THREEPIO, waving him closer. THREEPIO obeys.

THREEPIO

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

JABBA

Yu ba. Cobo rata cowa relpa. Byeska cho cowa Wookiee.

THREEPIO nervously translates. BOUSHH listens, studying the dangerous creatures around the room. BOUSHH notices BOBA FETT standing near the door.

THREEPIO

Why do you need me to translate? You were just singing in Basic.

JABBA threatens THREEPIO with a glare.

JABBA

Boska!

THREEPIO

Oh. There's no need to be rude. (to BOUSHH) The illustrious Jabba bids you welcome and will gladly pay you the reward of twenty-five thousand.

BOUSHH

I don't think you understand who this is.

JABBA immediately flies into a rage, knocking THREEPIO 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 THREEPIO tries to compose himself.

JABBA

Ooyu pohsa fifty thoutoo? Una kitchou, hie!

THREEPIO

Uh, the mighty Jabba asks why he must pay fifty thousand.

BOUSHH holds up a small silver ball in his hand. THREEPIO looks at it, then looks at JABBA, then back to BOUSHH. THREEPIO is very nervous and JABBA is getting very impatient.

THREEPIO

Because he's holding a thermal detonator!

BOBA FETT immediately raises his blaster at BOUSHH, but the GUARDS instantly back away, as do most of the other monsters in the room. JABBA stares at the silver ball in BOUSHH's hand. The room has fallen into a tense hush. JABBA stares at BOUSHH malevolently until JABBA begins to laugh.

JABBA

This bounty hunter is my kind of scum. Fearless and inventive. Oo neeta thirty-five thoutoo, tee my nigh.

THREEPIO

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

BIB FORTUNA and the other monsters study BOUSHH 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 cheers as the party returns to its full noisy pitch, and the music returns to its former joviality and tempo. BOBA FETT lowers his weapon. As GUARDS lead CHEWBACCA away, LANDO, disguised as a skiff guard in a partial face-mask, steps up and nods to him. DANCERS 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 watches as BOUSHH exits. BOBA FETT shifts with equally ominous arrogance. All this goes on while JABBA sings.

JABBA waves his arms down to quiet the crowd. The noise level and orchestra all drop to a hushed pianissimo as BOUSHH sneaks around the corner of the stage towards the carbonite HAN.

JABBA shushes everyone, including the orchestra. The music fades out and everyone hides. The lights dim. Lights up centerstage, dim to simulate darkness. Tuba solo starts. BOUSHH moves stealthily through the throne room to where HAN hangs spotlighted on the wall side stage left. BOUSHH steps up to the case, studying HAN, then turns to the controls on the side of the coffin. BOUSHH 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. BOUSHH 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. HAN's face muscles relax from their mask of horror. HAN 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. BOUSHH steadies the staggering newborn.

BOUSHH

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

HAN touches BOUSHH's face with his hand and moans.

BOUSHH

Shhh. You have hibernation sickness.

HAN

I can't see.

BOUSHH

Your eyesight will return in time.

HAN sniffs the air and makes a face.

HAN

Wish I couldn't smell, instead. Where am I?

BOUSHH

Jabba's palace.

HAN

Who are you?

BOUSHH

Someone who loves you.

HAN reacts strangely to the Ubese voice.

HAN

Oh. That's ... nice...

Realizing that HAN doesn't understand, BOUSHH reaches up and lifts the helmet from his head, revealing the beautiful face of PRINCESS LEIA.

LEIA

It's me, flyboy.

HAN (relieved)

Leia!

LEIA

I gotta get you out of here.

As LEIA helps HAN to stand up, the relative quiet is pierced by an obscene Huttese cackle from the other side of the alcove.

HAN

What's that?

More laughter, punctuated by JABBA's laugh. The curtain drop lifts to reveal JABBA and several CREATURES standing around, snickering. One has his hand over THREEPIO's mouth to silence him. LEIA helps HAN turn to face JABBA as the "Good to Jabba" music starts up again.

HAN

Uh, oh, I know that vamp... 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

It's too late for that, Solo. You may have been a good smuggler, but now you're Bantha fodder.

HAN

Look...

LEIA is brought up to JABBA's ugly head, and LEIA turns away in disgust.

LEIA

Ugh!

Blackout.

Scene 3

TATOOINE - JABBA'S THRONE ROOM

Lights up. JABBA sits on his throne. SALACIOUS CRUMB sits by JABBA's tail, watching it wriggle. THREEPIO stands behind JABBA. While the singing goes on, first LEIA is brought in, now dressed in the skimpy costume of a dancing girl. BIB FORTUNA attaches a chain to her manacle/necklace that runs from her throat to JABBA. Then a FIGURE enters from the other end, dressed in a dark cloak over a black outfit. It is LUKE, though we can't tell that yet.

THREEPIO

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

BIB

Master...Luke Skywalker, Jedi Knight.

LUKE stares hard at JABBA, trying to use a Force suggestion.

LUKE

You will bring Captain Solo and the Wookiee to me.

LUKE

Your Highness, Jabba, I must speak.

LUKE reaches out for a pistol from a GUARD's holster, but some GUARDS and CREATURES grab LUKE. LEIA reacts to the fight. LUKE struggles until he sees other GUARDS, including LANDO, bring in HAN and CHEWBACCA in shackles. LUKE then allows himself to be overpowered. Music continues in the background.

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?

LEIA

I'm here.

JABBA strokes LEIA like a pet cat. Several of the GUARDS, including LANDO, bring LUKE from the other side of the room. BOBA FETT 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 forced to watch the Star Wars Holiday Special.

HAN

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

CHEWBACCA 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 LUKE, HAN, and CHEWBACCA to a skiff stage right, the CREATURES continue singing. Someone brings ARTOO on stage unnoticed on the upper level. Between the skiff and Jabba's palace at the trap door is a huge maw, the Great Pit of Carkoon with the SARLAAC inside. Tentacles lash out of the maw. It is a large puppet a la Audrey II. The skiff with HAN, LUKE, and CHEWBACCA is moved into position.

HAN

You know, I think my eyes are getting better.

LUKE

This is your last chance, Jabba. Free us, or die.

LUKE looks over to the skiff at ARTOO, then jumps off the plank and lands near the droid. While everyone is confused, LUKE pulls off ARTOO's dome and pulls out his lightsaber -- actually on the floor out of sight. Chaos erupts as LUKE starts slashing through Jabba's GUARDS. LANDO makes his move and pushes a GUARD into the mouth of the SARLAAC. JABBA shouts incoherent orders and his GUARDS attack LUKE. HAN looks around blindly, still tied up.

HAN

What's going on? Chewie, narrate for me!

CHEWBACCA growls narration as the huge melee continues. LUKE deflects blasts with his lightsaber and slashes opponents. LANDO struggles with a GUARD over a blaster. LEIA takes advantage of the confusion and wraps a chain around JABBA's throat. THREEPIO flails his arms. BOBA FETT gets in on the action and fires on the Rebels. BOBA FETT targets LUKE with his wrist blaster. CHEWBACCA barks to HAN.

HAN

Boba Fett? Where?

HAN is about to back into BOBA FETT when the Audrey II-like SARLAAC snaps BOBA FETT up in his jaws while no one was looking. BOBA FETT screams and is devoured. The SARLAAC belches, then grins.

LUKE

Han, help Lando!

LUKE's attention is diverted just enough to get shot in his mechanical hand. He shouts, clutches his hand, then continues fighting. HAN and CHEWBACCA help pull LANDO away from the hungry SARLAAC. LEIA has gotten a good grip on the chain and strangles JABBA. The HUTT dies. LEIA takes off the chain around her neck and runs to THREEPIO.

LEIA

Grab Artoo and let's go.

THREEPIO grabs ARTOO and follows LEIA. LUKE joins them, fighting off more CREATURES as they go.

LUKE

Come on.

LUKE, LEIA, THREEPIO and ARTOO jump over to the skiff as LANDO uncuffs HAN and CHEWBACCA.

LUKE

Let's blow this thing and go home.

LANDO takes the controls of the skiff and fires on Jabba's sail barge.

LANDO

We're on our way.

The explosion of the sail barge is heard as we blackout on the mainstage, but stay on the skiff.

LUKE

I'll meet you all back at the rendezvous.

LEIA

Hurry. The fleet should be assembled by now.

LEIA hugs LUKE.

LUKE

I will.

HAN figures he should say something but isn�t sure how to say it.

HAN

Hey Luke, thanks for coming after me. Now I owe you one.

HAN and LUKE smile and nod. Their friendship has been cemented. Blackout.

Scene 4

DEATH STAR MAIN DOCKING BAY

An impressive collection of TROOPERS stand at attention awaiting the arrival of the EMPEROR. VADER and MOFF JERJERROD enter. The ominous opening riff of the Phantom theme plays.

EMPEROR

Rise, my friend.

VADER rises to follow the EMPEROR as he processes slowly across the bay. JERJERROD remains in his menial position until the EMPEROR and VADER have passed, then follows VADER, hanging back by a discreet distance. As they speak, the SINGER softly sings the wordless aria over the "Angel of Music" bit as the music morphs into the Emperor's Theme.

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.

The EMPEROR cackles evilly as his entourage draws near the SINGER. The EMPEROR listens, and then softly gestures just as the SINGER reaches the high note at the end. The SINGER clutches her throat and collapses as the music stops haltingly. VADER looks quizzically at the EMPEROR.

EMPEROR

There were...too many notes.

VADER nods as the entourage exits. Blackout.

Scene 5

DAGOBAH - YODA'S HUT, BOG CLEARING

The dim lighting of the Jedi Master's home reveals LUKE sitting cross-legged, watching his mentor with concern. YODA'S demeanor seems fragile, his voice good-natured, but weak.

YODA

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

From his corner of the little cottage, LUKE tries to cover his concern, but winces and shrugs.

LUKE

Kinda.

YODA

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

With effort, YODA hefts himself onto his little bed.

LUKE

Master Yoda, you can't die.

YODA

Strong am I with the Force... but not that strong!

YODA gains control of his coughing fit. LUKE agonizes a long moment. Hesitantly, he is almost unable to ask.

LUKE

Master Yoda... is Darth Vader my father?

YODA'S expression turns dark and sad. He turns from LUKE, hiding his pain, and his expression.

YODA

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

LUKE is determined now.

LUKE

Yoda, I must know.

YODA

Your father he is. (pauses) Told you, did he?

LUKE

Yes.

YODA closes his eyes.

YODA

Unexpected this is, and unfortunate...

LUKE

Unfortunate that I know the truth?

YODA'S eyes open again sternly. He gathers his strength.

YODA

No. Unfortunate that you rushed to face him... that incomplete was your training. Not ready for the burden were you. Luke...Luke...Do not...Do not underestimate the powers of the Emperor, or suffer your father's fate, you will. Luke, the Force runs strong in your family. Pass on what you have learned, Luke... (with great effort) There is... another...Sky...Sky...walker.

With each word, it becomes increasingly difficult for YODA to continue. LUKE desperately tries to coax the words from YODA's mouth. YODA finally catches his breath, and with a shiver that shudders his little body, YODA dies. In Jedi tradition, YODA'S body fades to nothingness before LUKE. Suddenly very lonely, LUKE wanders out of the small cottage as ARTOO rolls on from stage left, beeping a greeting. LUKE kneels down beside ARTOO and shakes his head dejectedly.

LUKE

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

BEN (voice-over)

Yoda will always be with you.

LUKE looks up to see the shimmering image of BEN'S SPIRIT as he enters stage right.

LUKE

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

BEN approaches him through the swamp.

BEN

I understand you are upset, Luke, but you must see how it was before...when your father and I...

LUKE refuses to accept what he hears about his father. He changes the subject.

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.

LUKE (disturbed)

She kissed me! Ew!

LUKE shivers at the thought.

BEN

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

LUKE (mutters)

I feel like a need to take a shower.

Blackout.

Scene 6

THRONE ROOM, REBEL BRIEFING ROOM, EXECUTOR BRIDGE

Stage set in two story fashion, top is set as EMPEROR's throne room; lights up on top only as VADER enters with faint hints of Imperial March underlying; he bows to his master and turns out. ADMIRAL EXPOSITION enters a bit too quickly, bows, and waits.

VADER

Report, Admiral Exposition.

EMPEROR (cutting him off)

No. Leave us, Admiral. You are dismissed.

EXPOSITION is confused, but, not one to argue, beats a hasty retreat.

EMPEROR

You will learn, Lord Vader, that nothing can kill a show like too much exposition. Report.

The REBEL strike team and IMPERIALS each get ready for the coming battle. All exit, except WEDGE. Spotlight on him; blackout everything else. WEDGE stands alone onstage. The sounds of pilots and starfighters preparing to launch fade away as music starts.

The world gradually returns to WEDGE, and he turns and jogs to his X-Wing, waiting on side stage right. Pulling on his helmet as he climbs in, he acknowledges a signal. Blackout.

Scene 7

FOREST MOON OF ENDOR

LEIA and HAN are slightly ahead of CHEWBACCA and LUKE as they lead a procession of strike team squad TROOPS, with ARTOO and THREEPIO bringing up the rear. ARTOO beeps a warning. The four friends spot the bunker offstage in the distance. Not far away, two IMPERIAL BIKER SCOUTS leisurely patrol the area. HAN signals to the rest of the group to stop.

THREEPIO

Oh, I told you it was dangerous here.

LEIA

Shall we try and go around?

HAN

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

HAN motions for the REBELS to hold the perimeter, and they hunker down, facing outward.

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 climbs over a bush, but trips on a stump, drops his pistol, scattering debris and generally makes a ruckus. The SCOUTS appear not ot have heard. HAN continues to sneak up behind one of the SCOUTS, steps on a twig and the SCOUT whirls, knocking HAN back. The SCOUT shouts for his companion.

FIRST SCOUT

Go for help! Go!

The second SCOUT jumps off left and hops on a speeder bike. CHEWBACCA blasts the third scout. While HAN fights with the first SCOUT, LEIA spots two more SCOUTS offstage.

LEIA

Over there! Two more of them!

LUKE

I see them. Wait, Leia!

But LEIA doesn't hear him and runs to one of the other speeder bikes. LUKE follows on a third bike and they race after the SCOUTS. HAN beats the SCOUT, then stops and joins the REBELS to sing/narrate.

While the REBELS sing, LUKE and LEIA intently chase after the SCOUT. LUKE spots more SCOUTS to the right.

LUKE

We've picked up a tail! (indicating the one ahead) Keep on that one! I'll take these two!

LUKE veers his speeder bike offstage. As the REBELS continue to sing the next verse, LEIA manages to run her quarry to ground with her blaster cannon, but is hit from behind and forced to abandon her bike. Her pursuer, too intent on checking for the princess, veers off stage and crashes. LEIA is conscious long enough to view this before collapsing behind some foliage.

HAN, CHEWBACCA, THREEPIO, ARTOO, and the rest of the REBELS settle in, awaiting their companions' return. Lights dim and raise, and the group is slouching. Lights dim and raise and the group is lounging on the ground. Lights dim and raise and the some of the group is laid out asleep while others play cards. They are roused by ARTOO's twiddling.

THREEPIO

General Solo! Someone is coming!

The REBELS prep their ambush, weapons ready. LUKE enters a second later and joins the group.

HAN

Luke! Where's Leia?

LUKE (concerned)

What? She didn't come back?

HAN

I thought she was with you.

LUKE

We got separated. (He pauses and exchanges a look with HAN.) Hey, we better go look for her.

HAN (signalling the REBELS)

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

LUKE

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

LUKE, CHEWBACCA, HAN, and the DROIDS move off in one direction.

THREEPIO

Don't worry, Master Luke. We know what to do. (to ARTOO) And you said it was pretty here. Ugh!

They are spread out as they move through their search area. THREEPIO lags behind with ARTOO.

They suddenly realize they are surrounded by dozens of EWOKS, each brandishing a long spear.

HAN

Great. Short Wookiees. 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. CHEWBACCA growls at the furry critters.

LUKE

Chewie, give 'em your crossbow.

ARTOO and THREEPIO finally catch up to the group, humming the song.

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 THREEPIO drops his spear and prostrates himself before him. In a moment, all the EWOKS have followed suit. CHEWBACCA lets out a puzzled bark. HAN and LUKE regard the bowed creatures in wonder. The EWOKS begin to chant at THREEPIO.

THREEPIO

Goopa!

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 (abruptly)

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?!

HAN moves toward THREEPIO threateningly.

HAN

Why, you--

Several EWOKS' spears are thrust in HAN'S face at the affront to their god. HAN holds up his hands placatingly. The EWOKS busy themselves to tie their captors to binding poles. The Ewok leader, CHIEF CHIRPA, guides THREEPIO over to a wooden throne built for the droid. Other EWOKS start a fire pit for roasting.

LUKE

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

THREEPIO

But Master Luke, what magic? I couldn't possibly...

LUKE

Just tell them...

THREEPIO

Oh, very well.

You way day solja. Boom!

While THREEPIO sings to the EWOKS, LUKE closes his eyes and concentrates. The EWOKS are not impressed. And continue about their business. Now the throne, with THREEPIO sitting upon it, rises from the ground. At first THREEPIO doesn't notice and keeps talking.

THREEPIO

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

THREEPIO

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

CHIEF CHIRPA yells orders to the cowering EWOKS. They rush up and release the bound prisoners. LUKE lowers the throne with THREEPIO to the ground while ARTOO beeps wildly.

THREEPIO

Oh, oh, oh, oh! Thank goodness.

LUKE

Thanks, Threepio.

THREEPIO (still shaken)

I...I never knew I had it in me.

The drums start beating, and all the EWOKS' heads turn as LEIA emerges, wearing an animal-skin dress. WICKET steps out with her. LEIA sees what's happening at the same moment HAN and LUKE see her.

HAN and LUKE

Leia!

LUKE and HAN enfold LEIA in a group embrace. A small group of EWOKS surrounds CHEWBACCA, scratching their heads and marveling at his height. The gathering of REBELS and EWOKS begin mingling about, becoming comfortable, THREEPIO answering as many questions as he can field at once. Finally LUKE makes a suggestion to THREEPIO, who relays it to CHIEF CHIRPA. The CHIEF in turn jabbers at the tribe for silence, and the group settle in and focus on THREEPIO. The droid launches into a long, animated speech in the Ewoks' 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. While THREEPIO tells the story, LUKE becomes sad and distant and drifts to the back of the hut. The others do not notice.

THREEPIO

Ku channa ma flu-atta. Ku channa ma flu-atta.

Coroway manna coo-too, Princess Leia, vu tata rundi Darth Vader. (breathing noise)

A tum da Death Star, me-chee un Jedi, Obi-Wan Kenobi.

Ee manna ma-chu Vader con yum-num.

ARTOO begins beeping excitedly at THREEPIO.

Yes, Artoo. I was just coming to that. (imitate AT-AT walkers) Toront too gosh.

Master Luke chimminay choo doo. Boom! (mimes explosion)

Tull uta Millennium Falcon a chimminay Cloud City. (imitate a bird flying, Falcon flyby sound)

Han Solo . . . Tee ka low carbon. (carbon-block-hits-the-floor sound)

WICKET hugs HAN's leg sympathetically.

Oss, va pa-manna luta Sarlaac.

Nu wunday, nee a wundy, nee a gro-libu.

At the end of it, the CHIEF, LOGRAY, and the ELDERS confer, then nod in agreement.

HAN

What's going on?

LEIA

I don't know.

The CHIEF stands and makes a pronouncement. The drums begin to sound, and all the EWOKS stand with a great cheer and screeches.

THREEPIO

Wonderful! We are now a part of the tribe.

Several of the EWOKS run up and hug the REBELS. CHEWBACCA is enthusiastically embraced by an EWOK, while WICKET clings to HAN'S leg. Now LUKE wanders outside into the moonlight. LEIA notices and follows.

HAN

Just what I always wanted. (chuckles) Well, short help is better than no help at all, Chewie.

The activity quiets as the lights fade on the main village. As the lights reach near darkness, LUKE enters side stage right and crosses to near the center of the forestage. He gazes off, presumably at the Death Star, as LEIA enters behind him. The orchestra begins to softly play the "Across the Stars" theme.

LEIA

Luke, what's wrong?

LUKE turns and looks at her a long moment.

LUKE

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

LEIA

Nope. (beat as the music abruptly stops) Nuh-uh.

LUKE

Oh. (introspective) 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 heard his theme music. He's come for me. He can feel when I'm near. That's why I have to go. (facing her) I have to face him.

LEIA is distraught, confused.

LEIA

Why?

LUKE moves close to LEIA. His manner is gentle and very calm.

LUKE

He's my father.

LEIA (disgusted)

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 (grossed out)

Ew. I kissed you.

LUKE makes a "get on with it" gesture.

LUKE

Yeah, I know. Now 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. Why must you confront him?

LEIA holds back her tears as LUKE slowly 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. HAN realizes only now that she is crying.

HAN

Hey, what's goin' on?

LEIA merely collapses into his arms, and HAN gathers her tightly in his protective embrace.

Scene 8

EMPEROR'S THRONE ROOM

The sidestage acts as a corridor in the Imperial installation on Endor. DARTH VADER enters from stage right as two STORMTROOPERS and a COMMANDER enter from stage left with LUKE, in binders, at their center. LUKE 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. (extends his hand, revealing LUKE's lightsaber) 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. Have my shuttle ready to depart for the Death Star.

COMMANDER

Yes, my Lord.

The COMMANDER and STORMTROOPS 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.

As the phantom-Emperor�s themes play, VADER escorts LUKE offstage and up to the upper level, which is set as the EMPEROR's throne room. VADER guides LUKE on from stage left. 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'm looking forward to completing your training. In time you will call me Master.

LUKE (defiantly)

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

The EMPEROR gets down from his throne, walks up very close to LUKE, and looks into his eyes. VADER hands the EMPEROR the lightsaber confiscated from LUKE.

EMPEROR

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

EMPEROR

Perhaps you refer to the imminent attack of your Rebel Fleet. (eying LUKE�s surprised reaction) Yeeess. I assure you, we are quite safe from your friends here. (growing angry) Everything that has transpired has done so according to my design. (indicates Endor) Oh, I'm afraid the deflector shield will be quite operational when your friends arrive...

At the EMPEROR's foreboding declaration, the vamping intro begins with an ominous drum beat. The lights come up on WEDGE, LANDO, and ACKBAR in their respective ships as the fleet exits hyperspace. At the same time, lights vome up on the mainstage where the bunker is split open to the inside. HAN, LEIA, and CHEWBACCA set explosive charges in the bunker as the REBEL strike team holds several IMPERIAL OFFICERS prisoner. Unknown to them, IMPERIAL TROOPS are moving in on the bunker. THREEPIO and ARTOO can only watch helplessly.

EMPEROR

Fire at will, commander.

Green lighting effects accompanied by a monstrous explosion of sound imply a superlaser destroys Mon Calamari cruiser.

LANDO

That blast came from the Death Star. That thing's operational. Home One, this is Gold Leader.

ACKBAR

We saw it. All craft, prepare to retreat.

LANDO

We won't get another chance at this, Admiral.

ACKBAR

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

LANDO

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

Forest battle continues. "Into the Woods" playing without lyrics mixed with "Forest Battle," dance-fighting to the music.

Light on LUKE from above, watching and contemplating the forest battle. As song gets back to Endgame [We can hardly...won their hearts], ARTOO and THREEPIO try to open door, ARTOO jolted. Han tries to hotwire it. LUKE grabs lightsaber, clashes with VADER. Duel goes on at same time as forest battle to the music of Endgame without lyrics.

Lights are dark on forest section first level. Lights focused on duel. Endgame music continues with lyrics. Luke and Vader trying to turn each other.

LUKE flips off top level through trap door into darkness. Focus shifts back to forest battle.

HAN

I got it! I got it!

LEIA is shot in the arm and falls back. HAN, worried, is quickly at her side, tending to her, but a STORMTROOPER shows up, his blaster trained on them. They freeze. HAN puts his hands up, and notices LEIA has a blaster tucked away.

HAN

I love you.

LEIA

I know.

"I Know" music sounds behind LEIA's dialogue. HAN is directed to stand, but he leaps to one side as LEIA blasts the STORMTROOPER. HAN smiles at her, then returns to the door. HAN, LEIA, CHEWBACCA, and a few REBEL TROOPERS trot into the bunker. Focus again shifts to the space battle. LANDO and the REBELS are getting beat.

LANDO

Yes, I said closer. Get as close as you can to those Star Destroyers and engage them at point blank range.

ACKBAR

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

LANDO

We'll last longer than we will against the Death Star. And we might just take a few of them with us.

Some action.

LANDO

Come on, Han ol' buddy, don't let me down.

Forest. HAN, LEIA, CHEWBACCA, and REBEL TROOPERS beat a hasty exit from the bunker, music and sound effects as the shield generator explodes. Bright flash fades immediately to near darkness.

Faint blue lighting reveals the throne room staircase in place of the bunker. Soft glowing special on hidden LUKE under the stairs. VADER roams the throne room hunting LUKE. The EMPEROR sits in his chair.

EMPEROR

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

LUKE

Never. I'll never turn to the Dark Side. You failed, Your Highness.

Scene 9

ENDOR - FOREST

Scene 10

After curtain call is optional Ewokese tag: