Star Wars Athenaeum - Saga - Evoluzione creativa

STAR WARS - EPISODE VI : "REVENGE OF THE JEDI"
Written by GEORGE LUCAS
REVISED ROUGH DRAFT
June 12, 1981

The boundless heavens serve as a backdrop for the MAIN TITLE. A ROLL-UP crawls into infinity.

The Rebellion is doomed. Spies loyal
to the Old Republic have reported
several new armored space stations
under construction by the Empire.

A desperate plan to attack the
Dreaded Imperial capitol of
Had Abbadon and destroy the Death
Stars before they are completed has
been put into effect.

Rebel commandos, led by Princess Leia,
have made their way into the very
heart of the Galactic Empire: as the
first step toward the final battle
for freedom….

Pan down to reveal the planet HAD ABBADON, capitol of the Galactic Empire. The gray planet's surface is completely covered with cities and is shrouded in a sickly brown haze. Orbiting the polluted planet is a small, green, moon, a sparkling contrast to the foreboding sphere beyond.

A large IMPERIAL TRANSPORT glides into frame. WE follow it, as it rockets toward the Imperial capitol. Four small TIE FIGHTERS escort the larger craft. The web-like structures of two Death Stars under construction loom in the distance as the transport approaches. Resting to one side of the half completed space station is Darth Vader's super STAR DESTROYER and several ships of the Imperial fleet. One of the TIE Fighters escorting the Imperial transport begins to wobble and drops back with its engine sputtering.

2. INT. TIE FIGHTER
A rebel pilot (WEDGE) struggles with his controls and starts to panic. He speaks into his com-link.

WEDGE
Commander….I ah….have a problem here! My ship is losing power, I'm not going to make it.

TRANSPORT COMMANDER (female)
Take it easy Wedge, switch to your auxiliary converters.

3. INT. IMPERIAL TRANSPORT
A scruffy old REBEL PILOT turns to his young CO-PILOT who is frantically working the controls.

The Pilot quickly checks his controls, then turns to the Commander sitting above and behind them.

The Commander leans into the light and is revealed to be PRINCESS LEIA. All eyes on the bridge are on her. She thinks for a moment, then makes a decision.

PILOT
Someone is going to start asking questions, and we may not have the answers.

LEIA
I have to risk it. They'll discover us soon enough, if Wedge is taken in for repairs.

4. INT. BRIDGE VADER'S STAR DESTROYER
The bridge of the Star Destroyer is a beehive of activity. A long row of controllers study their tracking screens as the ominous sounds of Lord Vader's boots echo throughout the bridge. The controllers watch in fear as the dark Lord's feet pass above them. One of the controllers goes back to his work and spots the transport on his screen. A red light starts flashing and a muted buzzer sounds. The controller speaks into his com-link.

CONTROLLER
Transport TYDIRIUM, you're moving out of your flight path. Correct immediately.

VOICE OF REBEL PILOT
One of our escort fighters has lost power. We're maneuvering for a tow.

An Imperial Officer moves in behind the Controller and switches off the alarm and light.

IMPERIAL CONTROLLER
Transport Tydirium, identify and confirm your security status.

5. INT. IMPERIAL TRANSPORT COCKPIT
The Pilot and Co-Pilot look back to Leia with worried looks on their faces as the Imperial Controller repeats his request.

LEIA
Now we find out if that security code was worth the price we paid. Send the transmission.

The Pilot flips several switches and a high-speed transmission is heard. The Co-Pilot is very nervous.

PILOT
Just relax son, we're not in trouble yet. Activate the tractor beam and lock onto Wedge's fighter.

The Co-Pilot goes back to his controller. Leia and the Pilot exchange concerned looks.

PILOT
Reset your course for the sanctuary moon. Go around Vader's fleet the long way. We shouldn't get too close.

IMPERIAL CONTROLLER
Transport Tydirium, bring your craft closer to the fleet for a visual check.

The old Pilot switches off the com-link and looks over to the Co-Pilot who is scared to death, then over to Leia who is lost in thought.

LEIA
No…but our fleet will surely be cut to ribbons if we aren't set up on the moon sanctuary before they arrive. You'd better warn the men.

6. INT. HOLD IMPERIAL TRANSPORT
The hold of the transport is filled with Rebel Commandos and massive equipment. A red light goes on as the Pilot's voice comes over the com-link.

PILOT
We are approaching Lord Vader's fleet for a visual security check. Be on your best Imperial behavior.

The troops start picking up their weapons, and quickly stow any non-Imperial equipment.

7. INT. COCKPIT IMPERIAL TRANSPORT
Out the cockpit window Vader's super Star Destroyer grows larger as the Rebels approach it.

The old Pilot turns and sees that Leia is overcome with melancholy. Her head is resting in her hands. The old Pilot moves over to the young Princess to comfort her. She looks up at him and wipes the tears from her eyes, as he puts his hand on her shoulder.

PILOT
It's all right. We've been in tougher scrapes than this. We'll get through.

PILOT (continued)
A small bet. Commander Skywalker will have him back in time for the main attack.

LEIA
Lando's signal only meant they've found Han alive, not how difficult it will be to free him.

The com-link cracks to life, causing everyone to jump. The Pilot rushes back to his controls.

8. INT. BRIDGE VADER'S SUPER STAR DESTROYER
The Imperial Officer leans closer to the view screen; which flashes a series of x-ray images of the interior of the transport. The controller repeats his question.

9. INT. COCKPIT IMPERIAL TRANSPORT
Tension is high in the cockpit of the transport as they await their fate.

They look out the cockpit window at Vader's super Star Destroyer which looms before them. Suddenly the control panel lights up and alarms go off.

Outside the cockpit window an Imperial shuttle roars past them heading for Vader's ship.

LEIA
Those are royal markings on that shuttle. Somebody important is in a big hurry to see Lord Vader.

IMPERIAL CONTROLLER
Transport Tydirium you are cleared to proceed to the moon sanctuary.

PILOT
I still don't like it. Change to course 339. We'll go the long way around.

10. EXT. SPACE - TRANSPORT AND SHUTTLE
The huge Imperial Transport veers away from Vader's super Star Destroyer and heads for the distant sanctuary moon. The Imperial shuttle continues towards Vader's ship until it finally disappears into the main docking bay on top of the huge Star Destroyer.

11. INT. MAIN BAY Super Star Destroyer
As the shuttle settles onto the deck of the docking bay, Imperial ground crews rush about securing the craft. The bay is filled with an impressive formation of Stormtroopers, Guards, Star Captains, and Special Elite Units. As one, the thousands of troops snap to attention, and heads turn to the entrance of the bay. The door slides open revealing the dark Lord of the Sith, DARTH VADER. He walks past the troops toward the shuttle craft. ADMIRAL PIETT and several Star Captains are with him. The Admiral turns to Vader.

PIETT
Never before have I heard of the GRAND MOFF leaving the planet to greet someone. You are greatly respected, my Lord.

VADER
Or greatly feared. The disgusting little bureaucrat is attempting to lay a trap for me.

Vader and Piett stop before the Imperial shuttle. The hatch to the shuttle swings down and a colorful platoon of the Imperial Guards lines up outside the ramp. They salute as a thin, evil-looking man descends from the shuttle. He is the GRAND MOFF JERJERROD. Vader salutes him, but Admiral Piett and all the Star Captains kneel before him. An effete covey of dignitaries descend the ramp, acting as if they have never been on a Starship before.

JERJERROD
Yes, I know. (looking around) You may rise. All this fuss just for me, an impressive display I must say. (sniffs the air) Yes, well the Emperor sends you his blessing….

JERJERROD
He feels your prolonged stay in the outer systems has not agreed with you.

Vader is very angry and it takes all the control he can muster to contain himself. Jerjerrod starts for the hanger entrance. Vader follows.

JERJERROD
All right then…. the Emperor is disturbed with your failure to deal with young Skywalker and he has decided to handle the matter personally. You will supervise the construction of the Battle Stations; a task he feels will be much less demanding.

JERJERROD
The Emperor does not share your optimistic appraisal of the situation. Skywalker is more powerful now, than before your feeble attempts to convert him.

12. INT. BRIDGE STAR DESTROYER
Vader, Jerjerrod and company walk onto the vast Star Destroyer bridge.

JERJERROD
That seems to be part of the problem. It would appear that you still have some feelings for your troublesome offspring.

JERJERROD
Then you should be thankful the Emperor has taken such an interest in him. The Emperor will turn Skywalker to the dark side, and then destroy the Rebellion in one swift stroke.

VADER
The Rebellion will not be easily crushed, and my son will not be easily turned.

JERJERROD
The Emperor will succeed, where you have failed. You are weak Lord Vader, more machine than man. The Emperor's plan has already been put into motion. The entire rebel force is on its way to us, for one last, hopeless confrontation, so I suggest you prepare your fleet.

JERJERROD
Ahh but, he is not with them. Your son is on his home planet of Tatooine. He will soon be in our hands, and the Emperor will have his way with him.

The Grand Moff turns and walks off the bridge followed by the dignitaries. The Admiral and his Captains go back to their duties. Vader stand alone on the bridge looking out across the vast sea of stars.

["In the rough draft Luke is asleep and struggling with thoughts of Vader and the dark side. Yoda and Ben are also present in the dream, and Luke berates Ben for not telling him that Vader is his father. Yoda explains that he'll soon be joining Ben in the Netherworld, and therefore he'll become stronger and will be better able to help Luke. Vader's voice reappears, and Luke awakens." -L. Bouzerau, explanation from Star Wars The Annotated Screenplays page 241.]

Luke snaps awake from a sound sleep, his head still ringing with Vader's words. It takes a moment for him to focus on his surroundings. He is in a small rundown, tavern. Two vile, little dirty Jawas; ATETU and TWEETU, stare at him from across the room. They shake their cloak-covered heads and go back to cooking an odorous stew.

The howling wind outside blows the door open with a loud crash. Luke reaches for his pistol, the Jawas hide. Out of the dust cloud emerge two familiar shapes, SEE THREEPIO and ARTOO DETOO. Luke relaxes as the angry Jawas come out of hiding, scolding the robots for not closing the door. Atetu waddles to the door and strains against the wind to close it.

THREEPIO
Master Luke, I beg you not to send us out in weather like that again…it's unbearable out there.

Artoo beeps and one of his tiny arms pokes out of its hatch carrying a small box. The door to the hovel bangs open again giving everyone a start, including R-2 who drops the box of parts. Out of the cloud of dust comes LANDO and CHEWIE. Atetu is very angry and starts yelling at Lando and Chewie. The little Jawa storms over to Chewie and screams at the Wookiee (in his gibberish language), shaking his fist. Chewie stares at him blankly, then shrugs and closes the door. Atetu continues to vent his anger on Luke, then waddles back to his cooking.

LANDO
Next time I'll try to get us better accommodations, but trustworthy innkeepers are hard to come by around here.

LANDO
He survived the unfreezing process but I couldn't get any report on his condition; but we're going to have to hurry, the execution has been set for tomorrow.

THREEPIO
Master Luke, I beg your pardon, but how can these micro parts help rescue Capt. Solo?

LUKE
When it's finished it will be our ticket into the palace. But first, we must send this JABBA the HUTT a message. That's where you two can help.

Tweetu calls out and points to the bowls of steaming food on the table. Chewie barks and heads for the table followed by Lando.

LUKE
You go ahead, I still have some things to do first. (motions to R-2) Come over here, Artoo.

Threepio follows Chewie to the table and asks Tweetu something. The creature answers and goes to a cupboard. Threepio sits at the table. On the far side of the room Luke stands before Artoo and recites a message. A beam of light from Artoo passes over him as he speaks. Tweetu brings Threepio an oil can, and Threepio starts oiling his joints.

LANDO
It's a miracle that Han survived the unfreezing process. I just hope he's still in one piece.

Chewie barks his agreement. Luke and R-2 come over to the others. R-2 begins to beep at 3PO.

THREEPIO
We have to leave?!? What are you talking about? I'm not going out in that storm again!

THREEPIO
All right, I'm coming. I'm coming. I was afraid of this. Master Luke, are you sure…

Artoo and Threepio leave the Inn as the wind howls madly outside. Luke grabs some food off of the table and goes back to his work.

LANDO
What makes you think those droids will ever get in to see Jabba - let alone deliver the message.

LUKE
Greed. It's Jabba's weakness. With this phony spice extractor and his greed, we'll make contact with Han as soon as I finish. You and Chewie are going to have to make the next visit to the palace.

LUKE
Not when you present Jabba with this little gem, and tell him we have a hundred more just like it. You'll be all right.

LANDO
But we don't have another hundred just like it. I think this plan of yours leaves a lot to be desired.

LUKE
Listen, Lando, you know we couldn't get Han out of that stronghold even if we had an army with us. Our only hope is to get Jabba to take him out of there, for us….

14. EXT. ROAD TO PALACE - GATE
The wind has died down somewhat, but a fair amount of sand still flows around the two droids as they struggle along the path to the ominous palace of Jabba the Hutt. R-2 whistles a worried sigh.

THREEPIO
Why are droids always given the dirty work?…. Sometimes I wonder why we put up with it all.

Artoo beeps his agreement as they reach the main gate to the Palace. It is closed. Threepio looks around for some kind of signaling device, then he timidly knocks on the giant iron door. A small hatch in the middle of the door snaps open and a spidery mechanical arm, with a large electronic eyeball on the end, pops out and inspects the two droids.

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

Artoo agrees, and the droids turn to leave. Suddenly, the massive door starts to rise with an ominous thumping and horrific metallic screech. The robots turn back toward an endless black cavity which has been revealed beyond the door. The robots look at one another, afraid to go inside.

The bronze droid rushes after his stubby companion. The noisy door begins to lower behind them.

15. INT. JABBA'S PALACE - HALLWAY
The door slams shut with a loud crash that echoes throughout the dark passageway. The frightened robots are met by two giant green scaly GUARDS, who fall in behind them. Artoo beeps a weak question. Threepio quickly glances around and looks at the two lumbering lizard-like guards behind him, then turns back to Artoo. The guard grunts an order.

THREEPIO
You don't want to know. Just deliver Master Luke's message and get us out of here quick.

Walking toward them out of the darkness is a wizened old man dressed in a dark cloak and tall hat. This is the High Beeser of Hutt, BIB FORTUNA.

He holds out his hand toward R-2 and the tiny droid backs up a bit, letting out an array of squeaks and tones.

THREEPIO
He says our master's instructions are to give it only to Jabba the Hutt himself.

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

16. INT. MAIN PALACE CHAMBER
The main chamber in the palace is filled with the most grotesque, and vile CREATURES ever conceived in the universe. Artoo and Threepio stand very small in the doorway to the dimly lit chamber.

Light shafts partially illuminate the drunken courtiers as Bib Fortuna crosses the room to the leader of this disgusting crowd: JABBA THE HUTT. This Godfather of the galactic crime world is a repulsively fat sultan-like monster with a maniacal grin. Bib whispers something in this slobbering degenerate's ear. Jabba laughs, and motions to the two terrified droids. He speaks in a strange language to the Grand Beeser.

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

LUKE
Greetings, Exalted One. Allow me to introduce myself. I am Luke Skywalker, Jedi Knight and friend of the one called Solo. I wish an audience to bargain for his life…. (all laugh) I have objects of great value from Durell System (the crowd mumbles) and as a token of my goodwill, I present to you a gift, these two droids….

LUKE
Both are hard working and will serve you well…I will soon send my agents for your reply.

THREEPIO
(in English) Oh no, this can't be. Artoo you must have played the wrong tape….

JABBA
(laughs in Huttese) There will be no bargain, but I will take the droids with pleasure.

17. DUNGEON HALLWAY
Artoo and Threepio are led down a dark and dank dungeon passageway lined with holding cells. The cries of unspeakable creatures bounce off the cold stone walls, and occasionally a horrible looking arm, or tentacle grabs through the bars at the two hapless droids.

THREEPIO
What could have come over Master Luke? Is it something we did? He never expressed to me any unhappiness with our work.

18. INT. BOILER ROOM
The door slides open revealing a room filled with steam and noisy machinery. The menacing guard motions them into the boiler room where they are met by a tall, thin, human-like ROBOT named U-8d8 (Eue-Atedeate). The guard grunts to the droid, who is sitting behind a high desk.

ATEDEATE
Ah, new acquisitions. I am Eue Atedeate, chief of Cyborg Operations. You're a protocol droid, aren't you?

ATEDEATE
Wonderful! We have been without an interpreter since the Master got angry and disintegrated out last protocol droid.

ATEDEATE
This one will be quite useful, fit him with a restraining bolt, then take him back to the main audience chamber.

The guard pushes Threepio out of the room. Artoo lets out a plaintive cry, as the door closes. He then beeps a blue streak to the operations droid.

ATEDEATE
So you'd rather not get stuck cleaning the prison cells, huh. Oh, you're good at dispensing beverages, are you?

Disappointed, Artoo clutches the apparatus and falls in behind the taller droid.

19. MAIN PALACE CHAMBER
The court of Jabba the Hutt is a drunken, raucous assembly. TWO GUARDS bring in a weathered old STAR CAPTAIN, who stands angrily before the slimy rogue.

Everyone near him looks around, and finally Threepio is shoved forward. Jabba motions to the golden droid to come nearer.

Jabba jabbers away at Threepio with a chuckle, the interpreter droid turns to the Star Captain.

THREEPIO
(in English) His Excellency finds your impatience irritating and has decided not to pay you at all….

CAPTAIN
(puts hand on gun) You tell that swollen scumbag he'd better cough up my fee or they'll be picking his hide out of every crack in this room.

Threepio looks at Jabba, then back to the Star Captain, then back to Jabba. He hesitates to translate this unpleasant message.

THREEPIO
(in Huttese) Your Grandness, he feels he would not be happy with that arrangement.

Jabba sits with growing anger and 3PO backs away, then the gangster starts to laugh.

The Star Captain goes for his gun, but before he can draw, a trap door in the floor springs open and swallows him up. The door snaps shut. A rumble is heard, then muffled growls and a hideous scream. Jabba and the court laugh hysterically. Threepio looks up and is terrified to see his old friend Chewbacca, and Lando entering the room followed by two guards.

Lando and the giant Wookiee stand over the trap door as they greet Jabba the Hutt. Chewie barks, Threepio translates.

THREEPIO
(in Huttese) He greets you and wishes you good health, Your Excellency….

THREEPIO
(in English) His Excellency is surprised to see you here, Chewbacca, and quite frankly so am I, you're in grave danger.

LANDO
We bring you a gift, Exalted One, and more to follow if you accept Skywalker's bargain.

Threepio repeats this to his gluttonous master as a Jawa scurries over to Lando, takes the device Luke has constructed and delivers it to Jabba, who inspects it.

THREEPIO
(in English) He would like to know if you have any more, you are standing over a trap door.

LANDO
Two hundred, a rare load, and a more than adequate ransom for Captain Solo.

Jabba signals his guards, who instantly grab Chewie and Lando securing their hands behind them.

JABBA
(in Huttese) Now you will join your beloved Captain, and I will demand twice the ransom.

LANDO
But, we must tell him your reply! If we don't return, Skywalker will not deliver the goods.

LANDO
What?! You can't do this! Jabba, think of all the wealth you're throwing away….

Lando and the Wookiee are led away amid laughter and jeers. Jabba's goblet is refilled and he commands the entertainment to begin. Several GIRLS emerge from the crowd and start to dance.

20. DUNGEON HALLWAY AND CELL
Lando and Chewie are led down the row of cells, passing Artoo pushing a broom. Chewie barks at his little friend and the stubby droid starts whistling madly. One of the guards pulls a controller from his belt and zaps Artoo with it. The little robot jumps and lets out a scream. A cell door opens and the two prisoners are thrown inside.
The door bangs closed as Chewie smells someone else is in the cell with them. The giant Wookiee lets out a crazy yell and races toward a shadowed figure in the corner. He grabs the figure and gives him a big hug that carries them into the light revealing Chewie's old partner, a bearded HAN SOLO.

He starts to take a swing at his old friend when Chewie comes between them holding Han back. The Wookiee growls and yips an explanation. Han relaxes.

LANDO
He will be soon enough…. He's gonna try to pay off Jabba with some phony spice extractor that he doesn't have.

21. EXT. ROAD TO PALACE GATE
Luke, dressed in a black shirt and pants, walks down the dusty road toward the palace gate. He carries no pistol, and no lasersword. He stands before the gate and the little eye gives him the once over.

22. INT. JABBA'S PALACE HALLWAY
Two giant guards fall in behind Luke as he strides down the long hallway. Bib Fortuna appears out of the darkness and greets the young Jedi. Several other guards surround them in the darkness.

BIB
His Excellency holds your agents as well as Capt. Solo. You must bring double the ransom you offered, and then Jabba will bargain.

Bib turns and Luke follows him into the darkness leaving the somewhat puzzled guards behind scratching their heads.

23. MAIN PALACE CHAMBER
The loud and boisterous court of Jabba the Hutt suddenly goes quiet as Luke and Bib Fortuna enter the large chamber. Bib leans over to Jabba's ear and whispers something. Jabba becomes upset and Bib backs away as the gangster yells.

The guards start for Luke, and he glares at them and they stop. Threepio edges his way through the crowds to see Luke.

He returns and whispers this to Jabba, who becomes furious and clobbers Bib, sending him crashing to the floor.

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

JABBA
(in Huttese) Young Jedi, I am not affected by Human thought. I'm afraid your mind powers will not work with me, boy. I have killed many Jedi Knights in my time….

Threepio notices that Luke is standing over the trap door and frantically motions him to move to one side.

THREEPIO
Master Luke. He's going to kill you, move away…. you're standing on a….

A MONSTER turns around and growls at Threepio and he quickly shuts up and backs away.

Luke reaches out his hand, and a pistol jumps out of one of the guards' holsters, flying magically into Luke's hand. The bewildered guard grabs for it.

The floor suddenly drops away, sending Luke and the guard into the pit. Jabba laughs and the court joins in.

24. INT. RANCOR PIT
Luke manages to get to his feet. The guard is yelling for help. The young Jedi looks up to see a crowd gathering around the edge of the pit and a metal gate slams closed above him. A second door in the side of the pit starts to rumble open. The guard panics and starts to scream. Luke calmly looks around for a means to escape. Out of the side passage emerges a giant brown fanged RANCOR. The guard finds his pistol and starts firing at the hideous beast; which only seems to make it more furious, as it comes at the two men.

In a sudden burst of energy, Luke jumps twenty feet straight up and grabs on to the overhead grate. The crowd is at first startled, and then starts booing at Luke, as he makes his way hand over hand to the side wall, where he wedges himself into a corner. As the guard continues to fire at the monster, it picks up the unfortunate man and pops him into its slavering jaws. A few screams, and the guard has been swallowed. The audience's cheers turn to jeers as Luke struggles to maintain his grip. His foot slips and he dangles helplessly over the howling beast.

25. INT. MAIN CHAMBER - PALACE
Two filthy little Jawas run over to the grate and mash Luke's fingers with the butts of their laser rifles. Luke struggles to hang on. He is unable to brace himself against the wall.

26. INT. RANCOR PIT
The Rancor paws at Luke, but is unable to reach him. Finally, the Jawas are successful and Luke drops from the grate. The young Jedi lands in the eye of the monster, then tumbles to the floor of the pit. The Rancor bellows in pain, stamping around in circles holding his face. Luke runs behind the raging creature and scurries into the holding tunnel. Unfortunately, it's a dead end, and he turns to see the monster approaching him. Luke notices a door mechanism about half way down the wall. He picks up a stone and hurtles it at the controls. A split second before the Rancor reaches Luke, the overhead door comes crashing down on the beast's head, squashing it like a sledgehammer on an egg - Luke tries to catch his breath.

27. INT. MAIN CHAMBER - PALACE
A startled gasp is heard from the stunned court as all heads turn to Jabba, who is turning red with anger.

JABBA
(in Huttese) Get him out of there…. and bring Solo and his friends! They will all suffer for this outrage.

The Rancor KEEPERS are the first ones into the pit followed by several guards. The keepers check the dead Rancor. One of the keepers breaks down and starts sobbing. He is comforted by the other keepers.

28. INT. DUNGEON CELL
Han, Chewie and Lando crowd around little R2-D2 who is projecting a small hologram of Luke.

R-2 beeps as noises are heard at the cell door. R-2 quickly sticks out his vacuum cleaner extension. The others assume casual positions around the cell before the contingent of guards enters and yanks the prisoners out leaving little R-2 alone to finish his cleaning.

29. MAIN PALACE CHAMBER
Han, Chewie, and Lando are shoved into the main chamber, where they are forced to kneel before Jabba the Hutt. They are surprised to see Threepio standing behind the grotesque gangster.

JABBA
(in Huttese) Han, my boy, I had intended for your final performance to be at the festival…. I must admit I'm surprised at the company you keep….

There is a commotion at the far end of the room, and Luke is escorted through the crowd, and placed with the others. He is slightly beat up from his ordeal with the Rancor. He looks sheepishly at his friends.

JABBA
(in Huttese) I have a special treat for you, and your friends, Jedi. From this one you will not escape. Take them to the SARLACC NEST.

A loud cheer rises from the crowd, as they excitedly start to leave the room. Threepio's interpretation of Jabba's speech is drowned out by the noise. Chewie and the others look around somewhat worried.

30. EXT. TATOOINE DUNE SEA
The sandstorm has subsided somewhat, as a huge SAIL BARGE cruises across the vast dune sea about six feet above the sand surface. This is a large version of Luke's old anti-gravity landspeeder. Darting in and out among the large craft are several smaller SKIFFS; which hold about twenty people.

31. INT. MAIN SAIL BARGE
Jabba the Hutt rides like a sultan in the massive anti-gravity ship. His entire retinue is with him, drinking and eating and having a great time. Threepio stands between two horrible CREATURES, translating their conversation. Both monsters speak in strange tongues. One of the beasts gets angry at something the other has said, and punches him in the face. Threepio takes this as a sign to leave; which he does in haste, bumping into a smaller droid serving drinks, spilling them all over the place. The stubby droid lets out an angry series of beeps and whistles. Threepio finally recognizes the robot.

THREEPIO
Of course, I see you're serving drinks! But, this place is dangerous, they're going to execute Master Luke, and if we're not careful, us too!

A slimy beast bellows at Artoo, holding up his goblet. R-2 beeps a good-bye and scoots over to the thirsty creature.

32. INT. SKIFF
Han, Luke, Chewie and Lando sit in the small anti-gravity craft surrounded by armed guards.

HAN
So much for your plan to get us out of the palace. Now we're really in for it.

Han gives a skeptical glance at Lando, who shrugs, then at Chewie, who barks. Luke closes his eyes and relaxes.

33. EXT. DUNE SEA - SARLACC PIT
The hovering barge stops on the side of a large sand pit. The smaller skiffs circle the rim of the deep cone of sand. The craft carrying Luke, Han, Lando and Chewie moves over the center of the pit and hovers. The prisoners look down into the pit and see a disgusting mucus lined hole at the vortex of sand. Around the edge of the cavity are thousands of needle sharp teeth and four thin, ten foot long feelers, that sweep across the sand looking for victims.

34. INT. SKIFF
Chewie growls at the monster in the pit. Han and Lando look at Luke with worried looks. The guards order the prisoners to stand, and they are lined up in the center of the small craft. A long gangplank is hoisted to the side of the hovering skiff.

35. INT. MAIN SAIL BARGE
The crowd is getting drunk and boisterous. A tall thin BRUTE pours the remains of his drink on Artoo's head and demands a refill, which he is given by the little droid with a subservient beep. Jabba laughs hysterically as two beautiful young GIRLS toss small fruits into his mouth. Bib Fortuna settles down next to the Exalted One and motions to the skiff hovering over the pit.

Jabba raises his arm, and the motley array of intergalactic pirates falls silent. Threepio is standing right behind him and he motions to the robot.

Threepio leans forward, right next to Jabba's face and the slobbering villain mumbles something to him. Threepio steps forward to the rail overlooking the pit and the small skiff.

THREEPIO
His Excellency hopes you will die honorably, but should any of you wish to beg for mercy, the Exalted One will now listen to your pleas.

HAN
You can tell that slimy, worm-ridden filth, he will get no such pleasure from us.

Threepio repeats this in Huttese to Jabba, who only laughs, and gives the thumbs down sign.

36. INT. SKIFF
Two guards grab Luke and roughly lead him to the waiting gangplank. They release his magno-bonds, and force him to walk out over the pit by poking him with long electronic poles. A guard timidly moves out on the gangplank to push Luke out to the end. The young Jedi turns to face his companions and then salutes them.

The guard prods him again and he jumps off the gangplank to the cheers of the bloodthirsty spectators. Before anyone realizes what happened, Luke has used his Jedi training to spin around, grab onto the end of the plank, and catapult himself up onto the deck with a double-back flip; which causes the startled guard to lose his balance and fall into the pit.

Luke reaches out his hand and a blaster is pulled from the holster of one of the guards and magically flips into his hand. Now things are happening very fast. The hapless guard in the pit is eaten as a second guard draws his pistol, but is blasted by Luke before he can fire. The rest of the guards go for their weapons, and chaos follows. Hands bound, Han, Chewie and Lando dive for cover. Luke grabs a bonding release device and activates it. The prisoners' restraining bonds fall away.

The guards fire at Luke as he races to the control panel of the craft, but the guns are knocked out of their hands by Han and Lando. Chewie grabs one of the guards and tosses him overboard into the waiting jaws of the sarlacc. A fist fight ensues between prisoners and guards. Two guards knock Luke away from the skiff controls and the hover craft begins to drift. Using his Jedi skills, Luke knocks the two guards overboard, but one manages to grab onto a rail and dangles over the pit screaming. Luke is hit from behind by another guard and knocked to the deck.

37. INT. MAIN SAIL BARGE
Jabba and the spectators are startled at the turn of events. Some of the creatures begin to laugh and yell at the combatants. Jabba is amused. Bib is worried.

Guards take up positions along the gunnel of the barge as the fistfight continues to rage on the small skiff. Threepio has backed away from the main group of spectators, hoping not to be noticed. He is startled by Artoo, who comes up from behind, and lets out a loud hoot. Threepio jumps and turns around.

Artoo lets out with a series of whistles and beeps, then takes off down the deck.

Threepio follows his stubby companion into the hold of the barge. Three guards fight with Luke, and Han, Lando and Chewie fight the remaining three guards. The Captain of the Guard is beckoned over to Jabba by Bib.

CAPTAIN
Your Excellency, six of my guards are down there. It will difficult to get off a clear shot.

38. INT. SKIFF
Laserbolts wizz past the combatants. The guard fighting with Chewie is hit by a blast, and the Wookiee is knocked to the deck wounded. Another blast hits the controls of the skiff, knocking out one of the stabilizers, causing the small craft to lurch violently to one side thirty degrees, throwing Han, Luke and many of the guards into the Sarlacc pit. Two of the guards, Lando, and the wounded Wookiee manage to hang on to the lopsided craft.

Laserbolts continue to bounce off the bottom of the skiff protecting those still on board the craft. A guard who was hanging on the side during the fight suddenly finds himself on top of the craft. He is able to stand and wave frantically at the guards on the barge to stop firing. The second guard struggles to pull himself up to the control panel. Lando who is hanging on the top rail works his way along hand over hand trying to get to the controls before the guard. Chewie is caught between two seats and bellows in pain.

39. EXT. SARLACC
Han struggles to climb out of the pit, but only slides further down toward the fearsome sloth. He slides past Luke who is lying very still, spread eagle in the sand, facing the hole at the bottom.

Luke reaches out and grabs onto Han as he slides past him. Han's momentum is stopped, both of them are pulled closer to the horrible mouth. The guards struggle frantically, and are quickly eaten.

40. INT. CONTROL BRIDGE OF SAIL BARGE
Artoo and Threepio race into the small control room of the barge whistling and yelling.

THREEPIO
(in Huttese) We're under attack! They're going to kill His Excellency. Help him, hurry!

The BARGE CAPTAIN and his two PILOTS rush out of the bridge and Artoo quickly closes the door behind them and locks it with a loud click.

Artoo beeps a rude response and goes to the control panel and starts pushing a long row of red buttons. An alarm suddenly goes off.

THREEPIO
You've just opened all the power connectors. You're going to blow us up!

41. INT. SKIFF
Lando just barely makes it to the controls before the guard flips the switch that rights the ship, throwing the other guard standing on its side, into the pit. Lando and the guard fight over the controls causing the ship to lurch. Chewie slides dangerously close to the open hatch, but with great pain manages to hold on.

42. INT. MAIN SAIL BARGE
The guards who are firing at the skiff are ordered away by their Captain.

Jabba remains calm, but those around him begin to panic and some run. The muffled alarm sounds can be heard from the control bridge as the huge barge begins to shudder.

43. SARLACC PIT
Lando finally knocks the last guard into the pit and takes control of the craft. Han and Luke slide closer to the jaws. One of the sloth's feelers wraps itself around Han's leg and starts to pull both warriors into its deadly mouth. Lando maneuvers the skiff down toward his two friends and lowers a tow cable. Luke and Han try to grab the cable, but only slip closer to death. Lando moves the ship around for another try. Chewie lies unconscious in the back of the craft.

44. INT. COMMAND BRIDGE
The beating sounds are intense and the door starts to give way. Artoo and 3PO stand on the control panel in front of a window. Artoo beeps at Threepio as he hesitates at the window.

Artoo beeps and bumps 3PO through the window. The golden robot shrieks as he falls to the sand below. R-2 jumps after him, just as the door explodes and several guards burst into the control bridge.

45. SARLACC PIT - BARGE
Han is almost touching the needle sharp teeth as Lando moves the cable within reach a second time. Luke grabs on to the cable and the two warriors are pulled from the pit as the cable is slowly retracted.

Luke finally makes it to the deck of the skiff and helps Han on board. A blast from the barge deck gun rocks the small craft almost knocking Han overboard. He dangles from the side rail and is almost knocked loose by a second blast which causes the ship to lean to one side. Lando struggles to right the craft and get them out of there.

The guards are zeroed in on the skiff when the Captain and his men run out of the control bridge yelling.

Before the guards can react, the entire barge blows up in a spectacular fire works display; which jostles the small skiff quite violently, throwing both Luke and Lando to the deck and almost causing Han to drop.

The flaming barge drops into the sand pit, throwing Jabba, Bib and company into the waiting jaws of the sloth. Lando gains control of the skiff and stabilizes the craft as Luke pulls Han on board.

46. EXT. DUNE SEA
In the distance the burning wreckage of the barge explodes a second time as a small periscope pops out of the sand in the middle of a crater. Muffled beeps are heard and the periscope looks around until it sees two golden feet sticking out of the sand not far away. A large shadow moves over the droids, and a voice is heard.

The periscope looks up and sees the bottom of the skiff hovering above. Luke is leaning over one side of the craft lowering a cable and large magnet toward the sunken droid. In the skiff Han is helping Chewie to sit up, and is applying some first aid to the Wookiee's wounded shoulder. The furry beast winces and growls at Han.

Lando tries to maintain the skiff over the droids. The magnet is attached to R-2's head and he is slowly raised toward the craft. A second magnet attaches to the two golden feet, and pulls Threepio out of the sand.

R-2 coos a sorry sigh as the skiff begins to pull away and head across the dune sea.

47. EXT. FOREST HAD ABBADON MOON - BALL GUN
Camouflaged Land Speeders lift a large gun barrel into position atop a huge ball shaped ion cannon. Leia and a REBEL COMMANDER walk out of a low control bunker. The gun and control area are in the process of being camouflaged by work crews and other landspeeders.

CAPTAIN JODE
We should have it completely covered by nightfall. The Empire can't possibly find us then.

LEIA
When you've finished, keep your men inside. Wait until the moon has made one full rotation before you target the shield generator.

CAPTAIN JODE
If that generator's creating a shield powerful enough to protect those Death Stars, it's not going to be that easy to knock out.

LEIA
If the shield around those Death Stars is still operational when the fleet attacks, they won't have a chance. WE have to knock it out. I'm going back to the ship, to signal the fleet that we're ready.

Leia gets into a camouflaged armored landspeeder, and takes off into the dense forest. Captain Jode shakes his head, then goes back to his work.

48. INT. DARTH VADER'S STAR DESTROYER BRIDGE
Vader stands on the bridge of his Star Destroyer looking out across the half completed Death Stars. Admiral Piett approaches him.

PIETT
I'm not sure, all surveillance in the room has been cut off…. and his coded transmission is undecipherable. He's using a special code, I have come across nothing like it before.

49. INT. VADER'S STAR DESTROYER - COMMUNICATION CHAMBER
The Grand Moff Jerjerrod kneels before a huge holographic image of the Emperor.

THE EMPEROR
Vader is to know nothing of this. Young Skywalker must be brought directly to me. Do you understand?

THE EMPEROR
…. and watch Lord Vader closely. He is powerful and not to be underestimated.

JERJERROD
Yes Master. He will be quite distracted. The Rebel attack is proceeding as you planned, and Lord Vader already suspects their presence. He has sent several units to the sanctuary moon.

The Grand Moff bows low, and [the] supreme Emperor passes a hand over the crouched Jerjerrod and fades away.

50. FOREST HAD ABBADON MOON
A squad of nimble one-man Imperial rocket bikes speed around the giant trees of the medieval forest. The ominous crunching sounds of huge metallic feet are a counterpoint to the high-pitched scream of the Rocket Bikes. Finally, out of the mist the monstrous shape of a two-legged Imperial walker appears. The sinister machine slowly makes its way through the dense foliage as the tiny Scout Bikes dart to and fro.

51. INT. IMPERIAL WALKER
Two Imperial pilots sit at the controls in front of the main viewing port. General Veers stands to one side, watching a radar scope. One of the pilots turns toward the general.

52. EXT. FOREST LANDING SITE - TRANSPORT
A small battle is raging around the Imperial Transport as the giant walker moves into the clearing. A few powerful blasts from the deadly machine, and the fighting stops.

53. EXT. HANGAR - HUTT SPACEPORT - SANDSTORM - DAY
Lando leads Luke, Han, Chewie and the robots through a raging sandstorm toward the entrance to an underground starship hangar.

They make it to the shelter of the hangar entrance. Lando and Chewie trundle down the flight of stairs, as Han stops Luke just inside the doorway.

HAN
Listen Luke. I'm not much good at these things, but I just want to say thanks. We're even…. I'm sorry I doubted you….You have learned a lot….

LUKE
I know everything. She loves you Han. My feelings for her are different than yours. I'm not going to get in your way.

Han gives Luke a big hug as Threepio stumbles up to the entryway. He looks a little worse for wear.

THREEPIO
(pointing) Back there…. two men, grabbed him. They'll strip him for parts.

They run down an alleyway looking for Artoo. The sand blows furiously around them.

Han points at two cloaked figures disappearing down a narrow passageway and starts after them. Luke follows. As Han rounds the corner, he is struck over the head by a powerful blow from behind. He hits the ground with a thud revealing little Artoo, helplessly dangling from a strap tied halfway up the wall. One of the figures puts a hand over the little droid's mouth.

Luke rounds the corner, sees Han, Artoo, and is instantly surrounded by a cage that suddenly appears around him.

Luke looks around and sees that he is trapped. He touches the bars of his cage, they're electrified. His blaster is drawn out of his holster, and crashes against the magnetic bars.

Chewie barks and points at Artoo and Han struggling through the sandstorm. Chewie and Lando go out to help Han.

The loud roar of a starship taking off can be heard overhead. They all look up as it passes and fades in the distance.

The Millenium Falcon roars off its' landing pad and quickly disappears into the sandstorm.

Han and Chewie are at the controls and Lando and the robots sit in the back. Chewie barks and flips a switch.

Out the cockpit window, the Imperial shuttle is very close when suddenly it rockets away at a terrific rate of speed, and disappears.

Chewie pushes forward on the throttle and the Falcon slows. Han bangs his fist on the controls in anger.

A couple of Rebel troops mill around the Imperial transport as two speeders enter the clearing and stop. Several more troops exit the huge spacecraft. Leia and CAPT. KAUN climb out of the speeders. Leia turns to one of the Rebel troops.

LEIA
Now all we have to do is sit and wait. You know, it's strange, but I don't
recognize any of these men.

A sudden realization crosses over their faces. They grab for their weapons, and run back toward the speeder. The Rebel troops start to fire at them and they dive behind one of the speeders. Out of the forest rise four Imperial scouts on rocket bikes. Leia blasts one of them and the bike crashes to the ground. The second speeder explodes, knocking two more of the rocket bikes to the ground. Kaun runs over to the bike and takes off, quickly followed by Leia on the second bike. The troops fire at them as they escape. General Veers comes out of the hold of the transport.

Four more scouts race from behind the transport on the rocket bikes. The General turns to one of his officers.

VEERS
Contact the fleet and inform Lord Vader we've got two on the run, and are following them back to the others.

Leia and Captain Kaun dangerously maneuver their tiny rocket bikes between the mammoth trees at speeds of two hundred miles per hour. They are closely followed by four other scouts, who occasionally fire at them. Explosions echo throughout the forest as laser bolts rip into the trees. The two Rebels ride out over a ridge and slowly float down to the forest below. The Imperial scouts follow in a hair-raising chase that bounces over hills, through narrow gullies, and in between trees. One of the Imperial scouts loses control and explodes against a tree.

Captain Kaun has dropped a little behind Leia and blasted by one of the troops, causing him to crash. Now Leia is alone, being chased by three Imperial scouts. She rounds a narrow bend and a rope net suddenly shoots up in front of her, catching her bike and sending it head over heels. Leia lands unconscious on some soft leaves. The three scouts race around the bend and aren't so lucky. The first bike hits the net and the other two plow into it causing a big explosion, which engulfs the three scouts.

The Falcon arrives at the Rebel fleet and docks with one of the huge Star Cruisers.

Han, Chewie, Lando and the robots enter the main bay of the Rebel Cruiser and are greeted by Capt. New and several of his officers. Han looks around for Leia.

CAPT. NEW
All units have been called together for one massive attack against Had Abbadon. Where is Commander Skywalker?

HAN
Did I hear you right? Had Abbadon, the Imperial Capitol? Whose crazy idea was that? Where is she anyway? Where's Leia?

CAPT. NEW
We've already started the staging procedures for the attack. The General will want you with us.

The large war room is a hurricane of activity. Commanders stand in small groups before large briefing screens as control officer rush about exchanging information and getting things ready. Standing before a large electronic table is GENERAL MADINE, Captain New, Han, Lando, Chewie and the robots. A planet and its satellites are shown on the table display and as the General talks about a subject, it lights up or an arrow points to it.

GENERAL MADINE
… And using a captured Imperial transport, she has succeeded in establishing an ion cannon on the moon sanctuary of Had Abbadon.

LANDO
… Which could knock out the shield generator, making those Death Stars vulnerable to a cruiser attack.

HAN
I think this whole plan is nuts. Lando, you're a tactics expert, what are their chances?

LANDO
It's been a long time since I've played this game. The odds aren't too good…

LANDO
… But if the fleet could be brought out of hyperspace on this side of the moon, it could just work. Now the timing will have to be very accurate…

HAN
Great, that's all they need to hear. General Madine, meet General Calrissian. You can stay here and play soldier if you want, I'm leaving. Come on, Chewie.

HAN
I'm going to that sanctuary moon, and I'm going to get Leia out of there, then we're going to find Luke.

Han turns and walks away, followed by Chewie. Lando turns to the General and shakes his head.

Han and Chewie operate the controls of the modified freighter. The giant Wookiee barks a long-winded question.

HAN
Of course I have a plan… If I can just calculate the light speed coordinates close enough, we should come out of hyperspace right above the moon's surface. We'll have landed before they notice a thing.

HAN
I know, I know, one millidigit too far and we're so much space dust. But there's no other way, so hang on!

Han pulls back on the lightspeed throttle and the stars streak out the cockpit window. The Falcon zooms away into hyperspace in less than a second.

A strange little furry face with huge yellow eyes slowly comes into focus. The creature is an EWOK, named WICKET, and he seems somewhat puzzled as he looks at the waking Princess. Leia groans, which frightens the stubby ball of fuzz and he stumbles backward, falling on his tail with a loud squeak. Leia sits up and stares at the three foot high Ewok, trying to figure out where she is and what has happened. Her clothes are badly torn and she is fairly beat up.

The Ewok jumps up and grabs a four foot long spear which he holds in a defensive position. Leia watches him carefully as he circles her, poking occasionally with his sharp spear.

She stands up and the Ewok quickly backs away. She walks over to the remains of the destroyed rocket bikes and surveys the wreckage and notices what little remains of the rope net that stopped her. She pulls a part of the rope down and studies it.

The little Ewok grabs the net out of her hands and starts scolding her in a funny language made up of squeaks and barks. He points at the wreckage, then to the net, throws up his hands and marches around in little circles, obviously upset at what Leia has done to his trap.

Leia looks around at the dense forest, then with a sigh, she sits on a fallen log.

The fuzzy little Ewok sits on a smaller log next to Leia. He puts his head in his hands with a great sigh. Leia scratches the little creature on the head.

A loud snap and rustle of leaves is heard in the distance as the Ewok's ears perk up, and he begins to sniff the air.

The Ewok lets out a loud screech, and starts to run, but a laser blast explodes right in front of the little creature. Leia draws her pistol and jumps behind the log. A second flash comes out of the foliage and explodes in front of the log. Leia returns the fire, senses something and turns around to see two large Imperial Stormtroopers standing over her with their guns pointed at her head. The scout officer reaches out his hand for her weapon.

She hands her pistol over to the brutish officer as he turns to the second scout.