the star wars
by
george lucas
rough draft [first of four major screenplay drafts]
lucasfilm ltd.
5/74
1. fade in:
space
a sea of stars is broken by the vast blue surface of the planet, utapau. five
small moons slowly drift into view from the far side of the planet. the main
titles are followed by a roll-up:
until the recent great rebellion, the jedi bendu were the most feared warriors
in the universe. for one hundred thousand years, generations of jedi
perfected their art as the personal bodyguards of the emperor. they were the
chief architects of the invincible imperial space force which expanded the
empire across the galaxy, from the celestial equator to the farthest reaches
of the great rift.
now these legendary warriors are all but extinct. one by one they have been
hunted down and destroyed as enemies of the new empire by a ferocious and
sinister rival warrior sect, the knights of sith.
a small silver spacecraft emerges from behind one of the utapau moons. the
deadly little fightercraft speeds past several of the moons, until it finally
goes into orbit around the fourth moon.
2. wasteland - fourth moon - utapau
a harsh gale blows across the bleak grey surface of the fourth moon. the
leaden sky presses down on a lone figure, annikin starkiller, a tall, heavy-
set boy of eighteen. he slowly makes his way across the canyon floor. the
heavy winds whip at him and make the going extremely difficult. his face is
covered by a breath mask and goggles. he stops for a second to adjust the
shoulder strap on his chrome multiplelaser rifle. something in the sky
catches his eye, and he instinctively grabs a pair of electrobinoculars from
his belt. he stands transfixed for a few moments, studying the heavens, then
turns and rushes back in the direction from which he came.
3. supply hut - fourth moon - utapau
a spacecraft, half buried in the dust, rests next to the remains of an
abandoned supply shack. annikin makes his way across the colorless landscape
and rushes into the crumbling building. the interior of the hut is shabby,
but manages to abate the howling winds. seated in front of a thermoheater are
annikin's father, kane, and his young brother, deak. kane is a large, burly
man, wearing the distinctive robes of a jedi. deak is ten years old, with
dusty blond hair and a large scratch on his cheek. annikin slams the door and
removes his gear. his ruggedly handsome face is caked with many layers of
dust.
annikin
dad! dad!...they've found us!
deak looks up from a small cube he has been studying. his father whacks him
across the shoulder with a braided wire connector.
kane
continue with the problem. your concentration is worse than your brother's.
(to annikin) how many?
annikin
only one this time. a banta four.
kane
good. we may not have to repair this old bucket after all. prepare yourself.
deak
me too!
kane
do you have the answer?
deak
i think it's the corbet dictum: 'what is, is without.'
kane smiles. this is the correct answer. annikin is strapping on a utility
belt with chrome laserpistols and lasersword. kane rises and starts for his
equipment.
deak (con't)
ahhh, pop...
kane
deak, do you feel you're ready?
deak
yes, sir. i've outmarked annikin in twelve disciplines. i'm as good...
kane
all right, son, get your gear.
deak jumps up with the enthusiasm available only to a ten-year-old and grabs
his gear. his father frowns and shakes his head.
4. wasteland bluff - fourth moon - utapau
kane starkiller and his two sons carefully make their way up a rock bluff
overlooking the parked silver sith spacecraft. kane inspects the craft with
his electrobinoculars.
kane
no tracks. bi-lock hasn't been opened....interior systems are still on....
annikin
are we going to wait for him to come out?
kane
he's not in there....he's baiting us. i'm surprised they only sent one this
time. we must be wearing them down, or they must think this knight is
something special....stay on guard, and keep hidden. i'm going to work my way
across the ridge and call his bluff. better we meet in open combat than wait
for him to ambush us....keep your guard!
kane leaves his two sons and moves off along the obscured ridge. annikin and
deak watch him intently. annikin throws down his multiplelaser rifle in
disgust.
annikin
he should have let me go with him....he's getting too old to make an open
challenge.
deak
he's not too old to realize you'd just get in the way.
annikin ignores his little brother's remark and sneaks a look over the ridge
at the sith spacecraft. kane moves out of the rocks some distance away and
starts toward the starship. deak moves to the ridge next to his brother, his
chrome laserrifle sparkling in the reflected light of utapau.
deak
he's making his move....
annikin
watch your guard...and cover that weapon. it shines like a beacon.
deak reluctantly move away and watches the other direction. kane has almost
reached the sith spacecraft and still there is no sign of its occupant.
deak
what's happening?
annikin
nothing. i don't like it.
kane carefully moves to the main hatch of the starship. he kicks a valve and
the hatch drops open with a loud clank and rushing gas. annikin becomes more
tense as his father carefully moves inside the spacecraft. everything is
still. even the continual winds seem to have died down. moments pass with no
sign of activity inside the enemy starship. annikin watches the craft with
his electrobinoculars. the waiting becomes unbearable.
annikin
something's happened! he's been in there too long.
deak
let me look! stand my guard.
deak takes the electrobinoculars from his brother and studies the silent
spacecraft. annikin impatiently scans the opposite horizon.
deak
i think the power just went off. we'd better wait here until someone comes
out.
annikin
what if he needs help?
deak
the power went back on again....
with the aid of the electrobinoculars, deak watches the running lights of the
starship flash on and off. suddenly, something huge moves in front of his
field of view. before either of the two young boys can react, a large,
sinister sith warrior in black robes and a face mask looms over them. he
carries a long lasersword which cuts young deak down before he or his brother
are able to raise their weapons. the startled annikin backs away in horror,
then settles down and ignites his lasersword, which creates an eerie red glow.
he stumbles over rocks as he attempts to avoid the charging sith knight. the
evil warrior swings his mighty lasersword, but annikin manages to deflect the
intended deathblow.
finally, annikin is able to assume a defensive stance, and the two warriors
stand, sizing up each other. the black knight is at least seven feet tall,
and dwarfs the young jedi. they stand for a few moments, almost frozen, then
in a flurry of blows, laserswords clash with the sound of electric snapping
and popping. annikin is barely able to hold his own against the experienced
knight. many blows are exchanged before the sith warrior is able to back
annikin up against a deep crevasse. annikin stumbles and almost falls over
the cliff to his death.
the black knight suddenly senses something behind him and whirls around to
face annikin's father, kane starkiller, a jedi bendu master. the sith warrior
raises his lasersword, but is cut in two before he can bring it down again.
kane moves to the fallen black knight, and studies him carefully. annikin,
still a little wobbly from the whole experience, attempts to stand. kane sees
his dead son deak, and goes to him. he lifts him into his arms and begins to
weep. annikin stands bewildered, watching his father cradle his dead brother.
5. interior sith starship - wasteland canyon - utapau
kane starkiller slides into one of the four seats of the small sith starship.
through the front viewing canopy, he watches annikin drag his younger
brother's body to a small crevasse. annikin places a small locket around his
brother's neck, makes a complicated sign with his hand, and dumps the body
into the shallow depression. the giant engines of the spacecraft begin to
whine, kicking up large clouds of dust.
annikin climbs into the seat beside his father and removes his breath mask and
goggles. there are tears in his eyes. father and son look out across the
wasteland towards deak's grave. the thunderous clap of an explosion is
followed by a small mushroom cloud rising out of the depression. annikin
throws a container down in a fit of rage.
annikin
how many more of them are there? i want to finish it, once and for all! i'm
sick of running...when will it stop?
annikin's father waits silently until his son's tirade is finished. annikin
sits silently for a few moments.
annikin (con't)
i'm sorry.
kane
son, plot a course for aquilae.
annikin lights up like a bantha at feeding time.
annikin
aquilae!! you mean we're going home?
kane
we both need a rest.
kane pulls back on the throttle, and the powerful spaceship lifts off the
surface of the fourth moon of utapau.
6. cloud sea - alderaan
a title card appears over a sea of billowing clouds on the gaseous planet of
alderaan:
alderaan: capital of the new galactic empire.
the towering white oxide clouds pass, revealing the imperial city of alderaan.
the magnificent domed and gleaming city is perched, mushroom-like, on a tall
spire, which disappears deep into the misty surface of the planet. the
peacefulness of this nebulous idyll is broken by the increasing wail of ion
engines. four sleek stardestroyers, from the imperial third fleet, burst
from one of the huge cumulus range. the craft are flying in a tight formation
as they bank steeply, and head toward the imperial capital of the galaxy.
7. interior of stardestroyer - alderaan
stardestroyers are two-man spacecraft crammed with sophisticated electronic
weaponry. the pilot and gunnery officers sit side-by-side, surrounded by
lighted readouts and switches. they wear the gleaming black uniforms of the
empire.
pilot
tok-one to chicks: shape it up. let's make it good.
chick-one
does that glare bother you?
pilot
use your face shield, chick-one.
the pilot is cold and professional as he maneuvers his craft closer to the
others. the positions of the ships are displayed on a readout, along with a
graphic representation of the city. the pilot gives the gunner a quick look
before he flips his sunshield over his eyes.
pilot
here we go. count: three, two, one, now!
8. review stand - plaza of the daders - alderaan
on a huge, austere platform stands the dark cos dashit, lord of alderaan,
consul to the supreme tribunal, and ruler of the galactic empire. he is a
thin, grey-looking man, with an evil mustache which hangs limply over his
insipid lip. standing at rigid attention on his right are several generals,
dressed in the black and grey uniform of the realm. five members of the
supreme tribunal sit off to the side. on the emperor's left stands crispin
hoedaack, newly appointed governor of the aquilaean systems, a young,
treacherous man with stone-cut, angular features and piercing grey eyes.
they all gaze skyward, as the four gleaming stardestroyers scream low overhead
in an impressive barrel-roll formation. as the sound of the spacecraft
resonates throughout the glass canyon of the plaza, the group of dignitaries
return their attention to the parade of imperial shock troops, and giant air
tanks (which ride magically two to three feet above the ground).
the plaza of the daders is filled with a hundred rows of troops as the last
brigade marches into position. the sound of a thousand men snapping to
attention is followed by a strange silence. a light wind blows the great red
banner of the empire, creating a subtle flapping sound. the emperor's
amplified voice startles many of the troops as it cuts through the quiet.
emperor
upon this battle depends the survival of the galactic empire. upon this
battle depends the life and long continuity of our civilization. not since
the great jedi rebellion has our destiny been placed in such a balance. this
is to be the most magnificent campaign of all! you have never been called
without doing something to be remembered, something notable and striking. the
conquering of the aquilaean system, the last of the independent systems, and
the last refuge of the outlawed, vile sect of the jedi, will have such
important and lasting consequences, that i can't but consider it as an epoch
in history.
to the rear of the plaza, watching the spectacle over the shoulder of a
curious bureaucrat, stands clieg whitsun, a tall, blond young man about twenty
years old. he seems interested in what the emperor has to say, but keeps
looking around nervously as if someone were after him. his arm rests across
his head, as he carefully but coolly adjusts a glowing blue ring on his index
finger. the emperor nears the end of his speech.
crispin hoedaack has moved up to stand next to the sinister monarch.
the troops shout an imperial salute in response to a particularly partisan
statement.
emperor (con't)
...i have personally asked the aquilaeans to accept this treaty of alliance.
during the long period of negotiation, they have only decided to be undecided.
we will barter no longer. governor hoedaack has been appointed the first lord
of the aquilaean system and surrounding territories. this is the last
frontier and the final stone in the great wall of the galactic empire.
the troops cheer, ad the emperor escorts hoedaack inside. whitsun moves
quickly away from the plaza, passing through several check stations, where he
is forced to show his identification.
9. night club - alderaan
whitsun walks into the glass and chrome splendor of one of the famous
nightclubs of alderaan. he moves to the long mirrored bar, and sits next to a
rough-looking man, bail antilles, dressed in the distinctive gold and furs of
the galactic traders.
whitsun
your glass is empty.
whitsun speaks into a small intercom on the bar front.
whitsun (con't)
a dantic and...
he looks in antilles' glass.
antilles
no thanks, whitsun. i've had enough.
whitsun
just a dantic then. bail, it's not like you to refuse a drink. you're going
to give galactic traders a bad name.
a drink appears magically from a small elevator in the bar. whitsun takes it,
and then places a pen-like transmitter he has taken from his pocket next to
the intercom. it creates a low electronic buzz.
10. bar observation center - alderaan
a controller sitting in front of a row of monitors taps his headphones, then
flips a switch back and forth a couple of times. he is obviously annoyed.
controller
number eighteen is out again. give me a maintenance check.
the controller yawns and puts his feet up on the control panel.
11. nightclub - alderaan
whitsun leans in close to antilles. he is suddenly very serious.
antilles
whitsun, we've got problems. they've just grounded all spacecraft, including
trade frigates. even the ships under imperial registry can't move. something
big is up.
whitsun
i'm afraid they're not waiting for the alliance treaty. they're already
moving against the system. i've got to get word back.
antilles
the chrome companies are protesting the embargo, but it's going to take some
time.
whitsun
isn't anything moving?
antilles
military ships, but...
they are interrupted by an imperial officer, and several stormtroopers. the
officer shouts over the p.a. system, as the troops rush to block the exits.
whitsun and the galactic trader are tense, but remain cool.
officer
attention: all captains and first officers of guild trade frigates will
accompany me to the ministry of transport immediately.
antilles gives whitsun a hopeless look as the troops check their papers, and
then take antilles away. a small fight breaks out in the back of the
nightclub as one of the trader captains expresses his dislike of the empire.
whitsun slams his glass to the bar in a gesture of hate and frustration.
12. governor hoedaack's quarters - alderaan
the large, white-on-white executive quarters resound with the high-pitched
laugh of the evil governor hoedaack. he slaps darth vader, a tall, grim-
looking general, on the back, and the general's mouth makes the slightest
gesture at a smile.
hoedaack
success, i told you. we are no longer under the control of the great
families....we've gained a true advantage.
vantos coll, a member of the supreme tribunal, and a man of the grossest
dimensions, appears to be a little worried.
coll
a rather dangerous advantage. you still have a system to conquer.
hoedaack
but this system will bring us more scientific wealth than that of any other
house in the tribunal. we will easily gain control of the directorship.
coll
don't underestimate the armies of aquilae. they're lead by a jedi.
hoedaack
i've told you about commissioner lars, general. he worries a lot.
vader
it's a myth that any jedi still exist.
coll
general skywalker is no myth. when i first arrived at court, he was the first
bodyguard to the emperor...he lead the jedi rebellion.
vader
seig darklighter lead the rebellion.
coll
so the emperor would have you think, but i was there.
vader
then why wasn't he hunted down like the others?
coll
because he is too dangerous, too clever. besides, his presence on aquilae is
still only a rumor.
hoedaack
then why do you believe it?
coll
because i knew him. he's there, alright. i can sense it. mark my words:
aquilae will not be easily conquered.
13. courtyard - palace of lite - aquilae
a low, sleek 'landspeeder,' (an auto-like transport which travels a few feet
above the ground on a magnetic field), glides into the courtyard of the palace
of aquilae. the planet is desert wilderness, but the palace is a sparkling
oasis, with low concrete walls and great turrets spilling over with foliage
from rooftop gardens. the speeder stops before an enormous shaded corridor.
fountains line the beautiful and highly polished, tiled walkway. two young
boys, biggs
(7) and windom
(5) are helped out of the speeder by amber, a one-
armed bodyguard dressed in the flowing white robes of the aquilaean military.
the two boys run through the long corridors, yelling and screaming, their
little footsteps echoing throughout the palace.
14. the palace library is a dim, cool room projecting an aura of time-worn
comfort and security. in the distance, the children can be heard screaming
through the corridors. king kayos, silver-haired but amazingly youthful under
a tanned and leathery face, motions for one of his aides to shut the partially
closed door. he is in the middle of an emergency meeting of the aquilaean
high senate. the twelve men sit in overstuffed chairs, placed in a large
circle. a large, sallow-eyed galactic trader named aay zavos fiddles
nervously with a small scrap of leather as he speaks.
zavos
my lord, the chrome companies are with you in spirit, but you must understand,
they can't openly support you. imperial trade restrictions are very
unfavorable, and we, of course, favor your independence.
kayos
if there were to be war, would your frigates still supply us?
zavos
your bluntness is to be commended. it could be arranged.
count sandage, a corrupt noble of the senate, jumps to his feet in a rage.
sandage
this is nonsense! we have no choice but to approve the treaty. if there is
war, the empire will destroy our entire system with a snap of the finger.
general skywalker is a dreamer if he thinks he can mount any meaningful
resistance....and you're dreamers if you believe him. so much trust in one
aged man. you must see...
at that moment, all heads turn as someone enters the room. it is general luke
skywalker, commander of the aquilaean starforce. he is a large man,
apparently in his early sixties, but actually much older. everyone senses the
aura of power that radiates from this great warrior. here is a leader: a
jedi general. he looks weary, but is still a magnificent-looking warrior.
his face, cracked and weathered by exotic climates, is set off by a close
silver beard, and dark, penetrating eyes. sandage is somewhat embarrassed and
quietly sits down.
general
is there anyone here so naive he believes the empire would even bother
negotiating if they were contemplating destruction of this system? your
excellencies, this is more than a simple raid on your resources. you must
reach a decision.
mir nash, a thin, birdlike senator, turns to the general.
nash
general skywalker, war is a serious business...a deadly business.
general
procrastination is a deadly business, senator. war is my business. have you
approved my defense measures?
the grande mouff tarkin wears the long, black robes of the aquilaean religion.
he speaks with a high, cracking voice.
tarkin
an actual war with the empire is still only a remote possibility. as a
military treatise, your proposal has certain merits, but in the harsh light of
reality, an attack against the empire appears to be a somewhat extreme
defense.
nash
you must understand, general, we are interested in avoiding a war, not
starting one.
general
there are times when offense makes the best defense. if that alliance treaty
isn't signed, we will need all of the advantage we can get.
kayos
count sandage, i want you to head the delegation to alderaan. you will leave
tomorrow with our answer regarding the treaty. my decision will be
forthcoming.
the senators whisper among themselves.
kayos (con't)
all right, then. may the force of others be with you all.
the senators leave in a flurry of hushed conversation. the general is lost in
thought, and remains in his chair. biggs and windom (windy), the king's two
young sons, storm through the existing senators and rush on to kayos' lap.
the king is obviously very proud of the two young princes. he throws biggs
into the air, and then catches him again.
windy
me too! me too!
biggs
leia's leaving! leia's leaving and you gotta say good-bye.
the king picks up windy and swings him around, then puts him down.
kayos
okay, whippersnapper, go tell your mother and your sister that i'm on my way.
the two boys run out of the room and are heard yelling and screaming down the
hallway. the king starts out, but stops in front of the general.
kayos
luke, my daughter is leaving for the academy at chathos. won't you come and
wish her well? it would mean a lot to her. she truly idolizes you, you know.
come on, the war will wait.
general
of course. i'm sorry, my lord. politics always seem to distress me.
the general rises, and as they head for the door, kayos pats him on the back.
kayos
i know, luke. i feel the force also.
15. courtyard - palace of lite - aquilae
a large, four-seat speeder sits gleaming in the sun-soaked courtyard. the
princess leia, about fourteen years old, possessing a soft beauty and iron
will, is embracing her mother, queen breha, a warm, silver-haired matron.
there are tears in the princess' blue eyes. biggs and windy jump around
inside the speeder, disrupting the efforts of the one-armed amber to pack
several plaxiform cases.
leia embraces the king as he approaches with the general.
leia
oh, daddy, i'll miss you so.
kayos
the semester will be over before you know it. you'll have a grand time.
there are so many new things to learn. i wish i were going.
he gives her a fatherly smile, and she hugs him again. the general stands
rather formally to one side. the princess, her long auburn hair tied in
braids, moves to the general and he bows before her.
general
may your studies do you honor.
leia is somewhat embarrassed by the general's formality and can only manage an
awkward smile before returning to her parents at the speeder.
breha
hurry leia. you must make it to yuell before nightfall.
the princess' maids-in-waiting, alana, a short, stocky girl, and mina, more
comely (somewhat the same stature as leia) with long dark hair, giggle and
straighten leia's dress before she enters the speeder. the princess and mina
hug alana, whose giggles have turned to tears. the two boys scramble out of
the speeder as amber helps the princess and her maid into the back seat. the
speeder is piloted by a trooper of the first order. amber jumps into the seat
beside him, and the speeder starts with a low buzzing sound. the princess
waves to her family, and mina waves to alana as the speeder slowly glides out
of the courtyard.
16. war room - underground fortress - aquilae
the war room is a mass of glass enclosures, electronic wall displays,
monitors, and computer stations. general skywalker enters a control station,
followed by a covey of military aides of various ranks. as the group hurry
through the crowded room, men rise and salute the new arrivals. the general
stops before a giant display of the galaxy. small symbols flash on and off
over various portions of the big board. the general studies it intently.
general
montross!
captain montross, one of the general's aides, snaps to attention.
montross
sir!
general
what's the tq on this?
montross
the last frigate to leave the imperial capital was at twenty-three forty, sir.
general
have any ships at all left the planet? (to another aide) check with the
guild on horton three.
montross
at twenty four hundred, a full battalion of stardestroyers left for what is
projected to be anchorhead, or a nearby system.
general
and no word from whitsun. he should have reported by now. captain prue!
an older, academic looking aide, steps forward.
prue
sir!
general
what do you make of this?
prue
a battalion is invasion force...but the empire controls that entire part of
the galaxy....a revolution, maybe. at any rate, they're going in the wrong
direction to be any trouble for us.
the general ponders this for a few moments, then speaks almost to himself.
general
i don't know... it doesn't feel good.
montross
sir?
general
put 'em on alert.
a loud uproar is heard on the far side of the war room. everyone turns to see
a foreign dressed warrior pushing his way past several guards and war-room
bureaucrats. the warrior, with his long hair tied in an odd bun on the top of
his head, is kane starkiller. he is followed by his son, annikin, who rudely
pushes the pesky bureaucrats out of the way.
bureaucrats
it's restricted. you'll have to wait...(etc.)
kane
get out of my way, boy, before i grind you into the surface...(etc.)
as the dauntless starkiller approaches the general, the guards stop in
bewilderment as general skywalker rushes up to the warrior and embraces him.
the two jedi warriors laugh jubilantly and slap one another, as the aides and
bureaucrats look on in amazement.
general
kane starkiller - you old muscle-rat! what a sight! we heard that you had
been executed.
kane
so the empire would like to believe. i've been in the kessil system. you
remember little annikin.
kane puts his arms around his son, who has been making eyes at one of the cute
young female aides. he bows before the general.
general
he takes after his mother! (they laugh) it's so good to see you.
kane
it's wonderful to be with another jedi again. there are so few of us left.
the cute aide goes back to her duties, flirting with annikin as she passes.
the young warrior pinches her on the ass, which startles her, but she goes on
like nothing happened.
general
what a sight!
the two jedi stand looking at one another, hardly believing the other is real.
finally, the general realizes his aides are standing around, gawking at the
duo.
general (to the aids)
wake up, gentlemen. you're on alert. keep me posted on that battalion.
17. control station - underground fortress - aquilae
the general, starkiller, and his son enter a small glass enclosed control
office. they sit, and an awkward silence passes as each man waits for the
other to speak.
kane
i've come for your help.
general
anything you ask. you're a jedi brother. we're one.
kane
my friend, we've been through much together...i've been through much since we
parted. i've lost much... the empire has chased us half way across the
galaxy... there is no refuge. one day they will come here... take my son as
your padawan learner. he would be a jedi. i've trained him from birth. he's
reached the fifth stage. he fought in the kessilian civil wars and commanded
a hubble expedition to the cone systems. he's a good boy, luke, and one hell
of a fighter.
the general looks down, somewhat embarrassed. he scratches his head, then
smiles.
general
old friend, you do me too much honor. i was never a match for you. why don't
you finish his training yourself?
kane
i'm too old, luke. i can't go on... you must finish it.
general
what kind of talk is this? you're not the old starkiller i remember. too
old?!?
starkiller suddenly ignites in a rage and swings his left forearm down with a
mighty blow across the solid chrome desk the general is sitting on. the old
jedi warrior's forearm cracks in two, spewing forth wires, and many fine
multicolored electronic components. the artificial limb flops lifelessly to
starkiller's side. the warrior rips open his tunic, revealing a plastic chest
stuffed with flashing electric parts.
kane (angrily)
i'm not the same. there is nothing left but my head and right arm... i've
lost too much, luke...i'm dying.
the general bows his head in sorrow for one of the greatest warriors in the
galaxy and a dear friend.
general
i'm sorry...
kane
i'm sorry. i keep losing control. i'm very tired...take my son! the jedi-
bendu must survive. we must pass it on. only a jedi can stop the empire.
we're very old, luke. a new generation of jedi must be started. take him;
teach him the way of the jedi-bendu...
captain montross bursts into the office and somewhat excitedly salutes the
general.
montross
sir, we have picked up something! an asteroid, or solid comet moving away
from the anchorhead system.
18. war room - underground fortress - aquilae
the general rushes out of the control station and back to the giant galactic
display. he is followed by montross, starkiller and his son.
general
are you sure it's not the battalion?
montross
a solid object. it's as big as our third moon.
prue
it's too large to be man-made, and it's too slow to be a comet.
general
analysis?
montross
it's too far out.
general
i'll be with the king. report as soon as you can get a reading on it.
(turning to kane's son) captain starkiller, from now on you stick close to
me.
the older starkiller smiles, and puts his good arm around his old friend.
19. dining chamber - palace of lite - aquilae
king kayos moves his arm around breha's waist as they stand on a balcony
watching the giant twin suns of aquilae disappear behind a distant dune range.
the general enters, rather in a rush, followed by the young starkiller, who is
now dressed in the white uniform of the aquilaean starforce. (he still wears
the distinctive kessilian hair knot.) they bow before the king.
kayos (pointing to the suns)
aren't they beautiful, general? 'always and never the same.' you're just in
time for dinner.
general
i have come for other reasons. could....
kayos
relax, general. we will discuss it, but over dinner. there are times, luke,
when i find you a bit too rigid. is this your new disciple?
starkiller is ill at ease and bows again.
starkiller
annikin starkiller, sir.
kayos
where's kane?
general
he left for the spaceport at gordon to visit an old friend, han solo, the
ureallian.
kayos
we are becoming quite a refuge.
the group sits at a large table, and food is brought in by servants. they
eat. starkiller is nervous and watches the general, to make sure he is being
proper.
general
my lord, several events have occurred which lead me to believe we are in
imminent danger of attack. there is no longer time for discussion and
debate...
kayos
what events?
general
whitsun, our best agent, has disappeared in the imperial capital. there is
unusual military traffic in the s-4 sectors...
kayos
unless you have direct, concrete proof of a pending attack, there is nothing i
can do.
general
by the time we have proof, it may be too late.
kayos
luke, i'm leaving tonight for amsel. i'm meeting with the full assembly first
thing in the morning. i am not going to approve the alliance treaty, and i
will get your defense measure approved. just be patient. you will have the
war code.
general
tomorrow may be too late. my lord, i need the war code now. we must get our
forces into space.
kayos
but it must be done legally, with everyone's approval. tomorrow you will have
that. i doubt the empire would attack before receiving our answer. the
separation of war powers is the one condition upon which you assumed command
of our forces. you're a friend, luke, and i trust you. but you're also an
outlander who controls a great deal of power. i can't forsake my oath any
more than you can. just be patient. you will have the code tomorrow.
captain montross enters the large chamber and bows before the king.
montross
i bring a report to general skywalker, my lord.
kayos
you may deliver it.
montross
sir, the asteroid has disappeared from our scopes. there is no trace of it.
general
were they able to analyze it?
montross
it never came within range, sir.
the general rises, quickly followed by starkiller.
general
excuse us, my lord. we'd better get back. i will wait patiently for the
approval.
the general and montross exit the chamber. starkiller takes one last bite of
his dinner, then dashes after his mentor.
20. war room - underground fortress - aquilae
the general sits rigidly, facing the big galactic display board. several
aides and bureaucrats rush to and fro, ignoring the general. he is asleep.
captain prue approaches the general and snaps to attention. the general's
eyes open.
general
what are the results?
prue
negative, sir.
general
are you sure?
prue
absolutely.
general
it's just not possible. something that size can't just disappear without a
trace...check it again.
prue
that's the tenth negative, sir.
general
i said check it again.
captain prue retreats to a computer station. the general looks around for
starkiller.
general
starkiller!
everyone near the general turns, but starkiller doesn't show.
general
where is that boy? montross!
montross rushes to the general and snaps to attention.
general
page starkiller.
montross goes back to his station and a few moments later, starkiller is paged
over the p.a. system. the general waits, watching the big board. eventually,
starkiller stumbles out of an enclosed computer closet, fastening his pants
and tucking in his tunic. a moment later, the cute female aide rather
sheepishly exits the computer closet. she is also in the process of putting
her uniform back together. starkiller rushes up to the general and snaps to
attention.
the general lets him stand there for a moment, not acknowledging his presence;
then, suddenly, without warning and in one masterful flash motion, the general
stands, grabs a small baton attached to his belt (which immediately ignites
into a four-foot glowing lasersword,) and swings at the young warrior's head.
in an equally quick movement, starkiller ignites his lasersword and blocks the
general's blow. everyone in the war room is surprised and startled. after a
moment, they rush to the general. starkiller and the general stand motionless
for a few moments, with laserswords locked in mid-air, creating a low buzzing
sound. finally, the general grins, and starkiller hesitantly relaxes. they
lower their swords and turn them off.
general
you are trained well, but remember, a jedi must be single-minded, a discipline
your father obviously never learned, hence your existence. clean yourself up.
discipline is essential. your mind must follow the way of the bendu.
starkiller
it won't happen again, sir. there are many new....
p.a.
general skywalker, white com.
the general moves to a control station and picks up a phone.
phone voice
sir, captain whitsun has just been admitted to med vac.
general
what's his condition?
phone voice
no data, sir.
general
i'm on my way.
21. med vac emergency room - underground fortress
captain starkiller waits in an outer chamber as general skywalker rushes into
the med vac emergency room where several doctors are working on the prostrate
whitsun.
general
what's his condition? is he conscious?
doctor
partially. he's be all right - a few bruises, primary exhaustion....
whitsun thrashes around in a semi-conscious state. he sees the general.
general
what happened, boy? what's going on?
whitsun (with difficulty)
the imperial starforce is already on its way, not far behind me... they're
going to attack.
general
are you sure?
whitsun
i have tapes...a giant space fortress....
he struggles to give general skywalker his ring.
general
as big as our third moon?
whitsun
bigger. it's unlike anything i've ever seen. sophisticated deflection
systems.... work in opposition to the suns.
general
they will show up on our screens at sunrise. they'll attack before that.
the general rushes into the outer chamber where captain starkiller is waiting
for him.
general
take the fastest landspeeder to chathos. pick up princess leia... and only
princess leia. return by way of the great reef. most speed.
starkiller exits and the general goes to an intercom and pushes several
buttons.
general
montross.
montross
sir!
general
full alert....everything! get the royal family back here.
montross
the princess is at chathos. there are no transports....
general
i've already sent captain starkiller for her! contact the king, first
priority. he's probably still en route to amsel. use the scan com. i'm on
my way.
22. war room - underground fortress - aquilae
the war room is on full alert. everyone is at attention, waiting for the
command that will put them into action. the general enters a communication
center, followed by many aides. captain montross and the com aide salute.
montross
we're having a problem getting through, sir. there is a great deal of
interference.
prue
it could be jamming.
general
try a surface link through amsel.
the aides go back to the com-link system to try to get a line through to the
king.
prue
we should be able to spot them at sunrise....that's not too far off.
general
they'll attack with sunrise. until the king gives us that code to start the
war computers, we'll just have to sit tight.
prue
all units are on alert, sir.
general (to montross)
have you made contact yet? (to himself) this is one hell of a way to run a
war.
prue
sir?
23. courtyard - academy of chathos - aquilae
a landspeeder roars into a courtyard of the academy at chathos. starkiller
jumps out, and runs up to the large, heavy doors of the academy. they are
locked. he bangs madly on the carved metallic door, until finally an old
woman manages to swing it open. starkiller rushes past her into the main
courtyard where princess leia and her hand-maiden, mina, struggle with two
large cases. they are followed by two very old matrons, dragging several more
cases.
starkiller
forget the cases - we've no time.
leia
these are my things. they must...
starkiller
i said forget them, and hurry...
leia
just who do you think you are?
starkiller grabs the princess by the arm, and hauls her to the speeder. mina
and the old women run after them.
leia
i will not be treated like this! you bring my things.... my father will have
your head... (etc.)
leia struggles to break away from the young warrior's grasp as he opens the
door of the speeder.
starkiller
settle down!
when the door to the speeder is opened, mina starts in, and starkiller stops
her.
starkiller
you must stay. here, take the crest.
starkiller rips the royal crest from the princess' neck, and hands it to the
startled handmaiden. the old women gasp in horror. the princess starts
hitting starkiller with little result.
princess
mina's not staying...i'm not leaving her. you can't....
starkiller punches her square on the jaw and knocks her cold. mina is panic
stricken, one of the old women faints, and another starts for starkiller with
a large staff.
starkiller
she'll be all right. i'm taking her to safety...as ordered. you will wear
the crest and continue as before.
the authority of starkiller's voice stops the old lady. he places the
princess into the speeder, and maneuvers it out of the courtyard. mina puts
on the crest as the speeder races away from the academy.
24. war room - underground fortress - aquilae
queen breha, biggs and windy are escorted into a rest area of the war room.
general skywalker sits rigidly in a chair in the communications area,
apparently asleep.
montross
sir, we've made contact!
the general opens his eyes and takes the intercom mike.
kayos
what is it, general?
general
the empire will attack on the rising of the sun. my agent made it back. i
now have proof. i need the war code...
kayos
i'll relay it directly to the computer. is breha...?
general
the royal family is safe. starkiller has gone after princess leia...
kayos
i'm on my way back.
25. red plains - aquilae
the small caravan of four speeders sits motionless on the vast red plains of
aquilae. the king returns the intercom to the pilot and takes a small
metallic card from around his neck and gives it to the co-pilot.
kayos
send this sub-land, priority one. (to the pilot) get us back to calvas
immediately!
the four speeders turn around and scream away in the direction they had come.
they pass a huge ultrasleek powerplow, planting green fungus in endless
furrows. two clay-covered farmers, riding atop the ponderous machine, watch
the speeders disappear over the horizon, and into the rising twin suns. a
bright object, twinkling in early morning heavens, catches the eye of the
older of the two farmers, and he brings the machine to a lumbering halt. the
younger farmer also notices the object, and stares skyward, shading his eyes
to get a better view.
suddenly there is a huge, bright atomic flash on the horizon. a few moments
later, a thunderous shaking, followed by high winds, tumbles the older farmer
from his perch. a second flash on the opposite horizon brings another jolting
earthquake, and the younger farmer collapses, terror frozen on his face.
26. readyroom - spaceport outpost - aquilae
chaos. red scramble lights are flashing. alert horns and attack buzzers
create an unbelievable cacophony. air warriors, with the distinctive circle
and cross medallion on their white space suits, scramble out of the low,
concrete readyroom, grabbing helmets and spacepacks as they race out of the
door.
27. attack runway - spaceport outpost - aquilae
twelve pilots and navigators dash in unison to a line of waiting two-man
starships of the destroyer class. ground crews scurry back and forth, loading
last-minute armament, and unlocking power couplings. pilot leader, a rugged,
handsome boy of twenty, gives his ground crew a signal that his is okay. he
has a winning smile and a distinctive scar along the side of his face. his
crew chief pats him on the back.
chief
knock them all the way back to alderaan.
the canopy is closed and the powerful starship moves onto the runway. other
crewmen say good-bye to their pilots, some grin, some kidding - all with a
great deal of hidden emotion. the din of two dozen retrorockets cuts through
the uproar, and six silver spacecraft leave the runway, and disappear into the
morning cloud cover.
28. war room - underground fortress - aquilae
the general stands before a giant display of the aquilaean solar system.
montross signals the general.
montross
they're away, sir. six from gordon. all other spaceports were hit. the king
hasn't arrived yet.
general
keep checking. put those fighters' intercom over the p.a.
the general sits at one of the intercom panels, and puts on a headphone. a
row of monitors is before him. he turns to montross.
general
where are they?
29. space - aquilae in eclipse
the eerie, reddish-yellow planet of aquilae slowly drifts into view from total
eclipse. a small, bright speck, orbiting the planet, sparkles in the light of
the twin suns. the six deadly aquilaean starships settle ominously into the
foreground, moving swiftly toward the orbiting speck. as the sleek starships
move closer, the orbiting speck is revealed to be a gargantuan space fortress.
the moon-sized satellite fortress dwarfs the approaching fighters. every few
moments, explosions create blinding flash on the planet's surface, as the
fortress bombards the planet with a fusillade of laser bolts.
30. aquilaean starship - interior
pilot leader, in the first ship, signals to his navigator who sits in a small,
isolated glass bubble to the rear of the craft. general skywalker is seen on
one of many monitors. a view of the space fortress is on another. the rest
are filled with various computer readouts and displays. one of the other
starships reports to pilot leader.
devil six (intercom)
look at the size of that thing! hey, bowman, i hope you remembered to bring
your pop gun, 'cause i think we caught us a big one this time....
pilot leader
cut off, devil six....stand by.
general (monitor)
it looks like they're still using the basic quad-tristation configuration.
use a 'ranger defense.' concentrate on breath ports and lock areas.
pilot leader
affirmative base...copy and transmit....devil two, check your rotation plates.
devil two
roger, boss. we're getting a threshold disturbance on gyro-three.
general (monitor)
switch over, five, cover it! ...devil pack, generate a spread six
formation...may the force of others protect you.
pilot
settle in...devil pack, stand by. mark five...break off. here we go. god
save us all.
31. space - aquilaean starship
fuel pods are jettisoned. the half-dozen fighters break off into a powerline
attack on the huge fortress. multiple laserbolts streak from the starships,
creating small explosions on the complex surface of the fort.
32. interior main corridor - imperial space fortress
the chaos of battle echoes through the vast corridors of the fortress. walls
buckle and cave in, sucking debris and personnel into the vacuum of outer
space. alarm sirens scream as soldiers scramble to large turbo-powered laser
gun emplacements. sergeants yell orders through the smoke and confusion. men
and robots of various shapes and sizes run to their battle stations.
33. war room - underground fortress - aquilae
the monitors with pictures from the starships suddenly go blank. technicians
check channels as others in the war room silently listen to the action over
the intercom. the general remains calm, but concerned.
pilot leader (intercom)
tighten it up... devil two, tighten it up. watch those towers....
devil two (chewie)
heavy fire, boss. twenty-three degrees.
pilot leader
i see it. pull in... we're picking up some interference.
devil six
wow, i've never seen such fire power.
pilot leader
pull in, devil two...pull in! chewie???!!
devil two (chewie)
i'm all right, boss. i've got a target.
devil six
there is too much action, chewie. get out!
pilot leader
break off, chewie....acknowledge. devil six, can you see devil two?
devil six
i've lost him. there's a very heavy fire zone on this side. my radar's
jammed.
devil five
he's gone....no, wait. there he is...fin damage, but he's all right.
a sigh of relief sweeps across the war room. the monitors flash on, then off
again.
devil four (intercom)
watch your back, boss! watch your back!!
34. aquilaean starship
the speedy little fighters dart back and forth across the soft underbelly of
the fortress, leaving a trail of destruction behind them.
pilot leader
converge on south axis point, point three nine four. it appears accessible.
i'm going to map the surface. devil four, cover me!
pilot leader and devil four spane in unison through a forest of radar domes,
antennae, and gun towers. devil four fires into the protrusions as the two
starships criss-cross the surface of the fortress. suddenly, a dense barrage
of laserfire erupts from a tower, catching devil four broadside. the
spacecraft bursts into a million flaming pieces. pilot leader reacts to the
loss of his wing man, but continues on his mission.
35. sub-hallway - imperial space fortress
constant explosions rock the interior of the fortress. civilians, including
women and children, scurry for safety in the panic-ridden hallways. two
construction robots, artwo detwo (r2d
2) and see threepio (c3p0), are blown,
slipping and sliding across the hallway floor into some freight canisters.
both robots are rather old and battered. artwo is a short, (three feet) claw-
armed tri-pod. his face is a mass of computer lights, surrounding a radar
eye. threepio is a tall, gleaming android of human proportions. he is thin,
with a totally metallic surface of an art deco design. the robots attempt to
get out from under the canisters, but rushing gas from a broken pipe keeps
knocking them over.
threepio
this is madness; we're going to be destroyed. i'm still not accustomed to
space travel.
artwo
the external bombardment does appear to be concentrated in this area. the
structure has exceeded the normal stress quotient by point four, although
there appears to be no immediate danger.
threepio
no immediate danger! you're faulty. this is madness!
artwo gives threepio a sheepish look and clings to a siderail for dear life,
as debris flies through the hallway.
36. aquilaean starship
devil two (chewie), a young hotshot of about sixteen years, miraculously spanes
his ship through a virtual wall of laser fire, and blasts a huge radar disc
into dust. chewie signals his navigator, who lets out a whooping cheer, as
the craft veers into a victory roll.
pilot leader
great moves, chewie. regroup at point two, zero one. coincide, devil six.
general
mace, your map projection shows a weak point at south portal: niner point
six. concentrate the attack on that point. coordinate.
pilot leader
i see it... it looks good.
devil five and devil three bob and weave in formation toward a giant
transformer jutting from the fort's surface.
devil three
i've got a... we're hit. we're hit.
pilot leader
eject...eject. babs, babs, do you read?
devil three
i'm okay. i can hold it. clear me a little, devil five... watch it! watch
it!
devil three wobbles a little, then drops away sharply, plowing into a lasergun
emplacement, causing a hideous series of chain reaction explosions.
37. sub-hallway - imperial space fortress
a huge explosion rips a large hole in the ceiling of a subhallway. artwo and
threepio are in a state of shock as they scramble through the rubble. there
is a constant sound of creaking and snapping as the sections of the hallway
resettle in the fortress superstructure.
artwo
you're a mindless, useless philosopher... come on! let's go back to work; the
system is all right.
threepio
you overweight glob of grease. quit following me. get away. get away.
suddenly, the hallway lurches, and a dead trooper falls through a gaping hole
in the ceiling. the foot of the carcass is caught in the rubble and it hangs
upside down, staring at the two robots. artwo grabs threepio, and they cling
to each other in terror.
artwo
we're lost. we're destroyed.
three sharp blasts from an airhorn send the two androids running for cover in
a burned-out doorway. five grim-faced troopers riding small rocket platforms
pass the two mechanical men.
38. governor's quarters - imperial space fortress
the five troopers race through several hallways, and finally stop in front of
an important looking office complex. two officers dismount and enter the
complex. they pass through several heavily guarded doorways until they reach
the main chamber. seated behind a large, cluttered desk surrounded by
generals and attaches is governor hoedaack. general vader paces in front of a
row of blank monitors. the two officers salute general vader.
first officer
all com-link power is out. twenty-two transformer sections have been
destroyed. the situation is grave on all southern levels. com-link
communication should be repaired shortly.
the officers salute, turn and leave the chamber. the general turns to
governor hoedaack, who looks a little worried.
vader
don't look so worried. not even a jedi could penetrate this fortress...we've
already wiped out most of their forces.
hoedaack
if it goes on too long, we'll run over budget. when do the landings begin?
vader
as soon as the attack has been broken: not long.
a short, stocky attache salutes the general.
attache
contamination has set in on quadrants b-5 and r-4. all sections are sealed.
we've lost two major power stations in the southern quadrants. that puts
section 5-1 in serious trouble.
the general turns away in controlled anger and embarrassment.
39. war room - underground fortress - aquilae
the general sits in a glass enclosed computer station, watching the battle
progress on several monitors. an officer enters and salutes the general.
officer
analysis reports those zq configurations are definitely power
transformers...everything in the southern sectors of the fortress is out.
general skywalker
i'm surprised they are still using external power units. it's a definite weak
point. concentrate on searching for the main crosslink transformer.
the officer exits as montross rushes in.
montross
the senate has voted to end the war.
general
they can't do anything without the king's approval; which gives us a little
time...have you been able to regain contact with the king?
montross
no, sir. all ground communications are jammed.
general
send four men..from third squad, to meet the king, and escort him back. let
me know before he arrives. is starkiller back with the princess?
montross
no, sir. they're long overdue.
pilot leader checks in over the intercom.
pilot leader
all right, base one, we're in position.
an officer with headphones looks to the general. he signals to attack.
40. aquilaean starships
all four starships spane in formation toward a main transformer area, flanked
by several solar towers.
pilot leader
hold your fire until we're within point zero five four... make it count.
several ack-ack lasers begin to open fire on the approaching spacecraft. the
starships direct their fire at a large black transformer, which when hit,
spurts bright blue and white electrical arcs. one of the starships (devil
five) explodes and careens out of formation, leaving an erratic trail of
smoke, before eventually crashing into a solar panel.
41. sub-hallways - imperial space fortress
the impact of the exploding starship can be felt throughout the giant
fortress. the tall, gleaming threepio races through several corridors,
yelling at artwo, who struggles vainly to e keep pace with his stubby
mechanical feet.
threepio
....i don't care what you do, but i'm getting out. all the power's out.
those explosions are coming from the reactor section. this is the end.
abandon ship.
artwo
our work - we can't leave! it's desertion. it's not possible. it's not
possible.
threepio
your programming is so limited. my first order is preservation. you stay.
i'm going to eject before the whole thing goes up.
threepio breaks open the seal on an emergency lifepod. a red warning light
begins to flash, and a low hum is heard. the lanky chrome android works his
way into the cramped four-man craft.
artwo
these lifepods aren't for us! it's not right!
a new explosion, this time very close, sends dust and debris through the
narrow passageway. flames lick at the two robots. the runt-sized artwo jumps
into the lifepod.
artwo
it's the end. eject. eject.
the safety door snaps shut, and the pod ejects from the fortress.
42. aquilaean starships
the terrified androids in the lifepod speed away from the fortress, and pass
the attacking starships.
devil two
object approaching. attack bearing...
devil four
it's a lifepod. forget it. we've got...
devil four is hit by laser fire, and disintegrates, leaving a trail of flaming
particles. the two remaining craft continue the assault. chewie and pilot
leader watch the remains of devil four disappear. the general appears over
one of the monitors.
general
analysis indicates transformer code zero three is the main relay. hit it, and
the whole thing goes dead.
pilot leader
we're on our way.
43. governor's quarters - imperial space fortress
a row of monitors and the main overhead lights go on, and a trooper appears on
one of the screens.
trooper
internal relays operative. all power restored. all contaminated areas
sealed.
an officer appears on another monitor.
officer
only two enemy craft remain operative. we calculate victory by zero three
hundred.
general vader switches to another monitor.
vader
alert the invasion forces. (turning to the governor). the planet is ours. a
three hour war. you expected longer. jedi or not, we've beaten him, and the
culture is intact.
hoedaack
a truly great prize for the empire. they have a treasure of biotic science.
genetics, cloning - they've added two-hundred years to a lifespan. remember,
you must capture at least one member of the royal family alive. the aquilae
family has ruled this system for ten thousand years. the people will follow
no other. if the royal line is broken, there is a good chance the entire
population will destroy themselves and their knowledge before submitting to
our rule.
the general is interrupted by a call on one of the monitors.
officer (on monitor)
we've received a message from the planet....
44. war room - underground fortress - aquilae
general skywalker watches a giant computer display of the space fortress
mapped by the starships. an aide approaches.
aide
sir! the king's convoy has destroyed at caldin. all the bodies were
contaminated.
general
i will audience with the queen.... who knows of this?
aide
many. it came through civilian sources.
general
confine senator sandage to his quarters. use any pretext. where is the
senator now?
sandage and several other senators enter the computer station.
sandage
right here, general...it's over. we've already relayed peace terms to the
empire, and they've been accepted. your war has ended.
the general is angry and stands pointing at the senators. they jump back, as
if the general were pointing a gun at them.
general
senator, this war isn't over. it's just begun. i take my commands from the
royal family.
sandage
the queen concurs. i have her written decree. it is to be implemented
immediately..... i order you to cease the attack.
general
not likely...
sandage
treason? revolution? the people won't follow you, general...nor will your
troops. i suggest you follow your orders.
general skywalker stands angrily pondering the situation. sandage and the
other senators are tense, a little afraid that he might cut them down on the
spot.
sandage
well, general?
45. lifepod - sky over aquilae
the reddish-yellow mass of aquilae seems to engulf the tiny lifepod containing
the two fleeing androids.
artwo
it's desertion. they'll destroy us. how could this happen?
threepio
that's funny. the damage doesn't look as bad from out here.
46. aquilaean starships
pilot leader and devil two make a second spane on the now smoldering
transformer area. all firing from the fortress suddenly stops. pilot leader
looks back to his navigator, who is equally puzzled. the two fighters
continue to attack the now silent fortress.
chewie (devil two)
i don't get it. what do you think, boss?
general skywalker appears on the monitors.
general (with difficulty)
base one to devil leader...scramble code niner. break your attack, and return
to base. repeat, break your attack. confirm.
pilot leader
they're hurt, sir, but they still have power. we should finish....
general
break off. the war is ov
