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2007.06.24. 11:28
THE STAR WARS
BY
GEORGE LUCAS
ROUGH DRAFT 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 rollup:
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 invin-
cible 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 instictively 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 lazerpistols and lazersword. 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 disci-
plines. 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 multiplelazer 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 lazerrifle
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 care-
fully 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 lazer-
sword 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 lazersword, 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
lazersword, but Annikin manages to deflect the intended death-
blow.
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,
lazerswords 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 lazersword, 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
Galatic 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 space craft crammed with sophis-
ticated 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 sun-
shield 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 Dader 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 ner-
vously 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 Sur-
rounding Territories. This is the last frontier
and the final stone in the great wall of the
Galactic Empire.
The troops cheer, and 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 Allience
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 storm
troopers. 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 all right. 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 wilder-
ness, 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. LIBRARY - PALACE OF LITE - AQUILAE
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 aidesto 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 Galatic 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 Star-
force. 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, pene-
trating 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 Allience 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 (Cont.)
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 Norton 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 arm 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 for-
sake 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 acknow-
ledging 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 lazersword,) and swings at the young warrior's
head. In an equally quick movement, Starkiller ignites his
lazersword 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 lazerswords 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 Sky-
walker 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 space-
ports 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 fore-
ground, 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 flashes on the planet's surface,
as the fortress bombards the planet with a fusillade of lazer
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 dis-
turbance on gyro-three.
GENERAL (monitor)
Switch over, Five, cover it! ...Devil pack,
generate a spread six formation...May the
force
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