SECOND DRAFT 
January 28, 1975

LUCASFILM LIMITED
52 Park Way
San Anselmo
California 94960
 

"...And in the time of greatest
despair there shall come a savior,
and he shall be known as: THE SON
OF THE SUNS."

Journal of the Whills, 3:127
 
 

FADE IN:

1.SPACE

A vast sea of stars is broken as the warm, amber surface
of the planet, UTAPAU, emerges from a total eclipse.  Five 
small moons slowly drift into view from the far side of 
the planet.  The MAIN TITLE is followed by a ROLL-UP:

The REPUBLIC GALACTICA is dead.  Ruthless
trader barons, driven by greed and the 
lust for power, have replaced enlightenment 
with oppression, and "rule by the people" 
with the FIRST GALACTIC EMPIRE.

Until the tragic Holy Rebellion of "06", 
the respected JEDI BENDU OF ASHLA were the 
most powerful warriors in the Universe. 
For a hundred thousand years, generations 
of Jedi Bendu knights learned the ways of 
the mysterious FORCE OF OTHERS, and acted 
as the guardians of peace and justice in 
the REPUBLIC.  Now these legendary warriors 
are all but extinct.  One by one they have 
been hunted down and destroyed by a fero-
cious rival sect of mercenary warriors: 
THE BLACK KNIGHTS OF THE SITH.

It is a period of civil wars.  The EMPIRE 
is crumbling into lawless barbarism through-
out the million worlds of the galaxy. From 
the celestial equator to the farthest 
reaches of the GREAT RIFT, seventy small 
solar systems have united in a common war 
against the tyranny of the Empire.  Under 
the command of a mighty Jedi warrior known 
as THE STARKILLER, the REBEL ALLIANCE has 
won a crushing victory over the deadly 
Imperial Star Fleet.  The Empire knows that 
one more such defeat will bring a thousand 
more solar systems into the rebellion, and 
Imperial control of the Outlands could be 
lost forever...

A tiny silver space craft races from behind one of the
lifeless Utapau moons.  The small rebel spacefighter is
being chased by four giant Imperial stardestroyers. Hun-
dreds of deadly laser bolts streak from the Imperial
warships as they dive on the smaller craft.

Every few moments, the little rebel ship returns the fire, 
until one of the Imperial battlewagons explodes, causing 
it to fall out of formation.  The three remaining star-
destroyers continue the pursuit.

2.INT. REBEL SPACEFIGHTER - LASER GUN TURRET

The two elaborate laser gun turrets belch a smoky exhaust
as the gun crews, wearing heat-protective suits, goggles
and breath masks, cheer and congratulate each other on the 
direct hit.  The gunnery CHIEF finishes speaking into his 
helmet "com-link", and yells to the crew.

CHIEF
I don't know what you boys are 
so cheery about; there are still 
three more out there.

The crews snap-to, and turn back to their giant guns. Sev-
eral stubby, three-legged ROBOTS scurry to and fro, bring-
ing equipment, and repairing damage to sections of the 
turrets.

3.INT. REBEL SPACEFIGHTER - MAIN PASSAGEWAY

The chaos of battle echoes through the narrow, main passage-
way of the starfighter.  An explosion rocks the ship, and 
two construction robots, ARTOO DETOO (R2-D2) and SEE THREEPIO 
(C-3PO) struggle to make their way through the shaking, 
bouncing passageway.  Both robots are old and battered. 
Artoo is a short (36 inches), claw-armed, tri-ped.  His face 
is a mass of computer lights, surrounding a radar eye. 
Threepio, on the other hand, is a tall, slender robot of 
human proportions.  He has a gleaming bronze-like metallic 
surface of an "Art Deco" design.

THREEPIO
Artoo, my friend, this is madness! 
If this keeps up, we're going to 
be destroyed.  I'm afraid I'm still 
not accustomed to space travel... 
What are we to do?

The little dwarf robot makes a series of electronic sounds 
that only a robot could understand.

THREEPIO (CONT'D)
Relax?!?...What do you mean we're 
in no immediate danger??!  You're 
faulty, this is madness!

Artoo gives his tall companion a sheepish computer blink
and starts off down the hallway. .

THREEPIO (CONT'D)
Artoo Detoo, wait!  Wait a 
minute.

Threepio climbs through a hatch and starts after Artoo.

4.EXT. SPACE BATTLE

One of the giant Imperial Stardestroyers breaks formation
and surges ahead of the others, closing on the tiny rebel
space craft.  The main battery of laser cannons on the
huge Imperial warship directs an overwhelming concentra-
tion or laser fire at the main solar fin on the rebel ship. 
Finally it disintegrates, creating a spectacular heavenly 
display.

5.INT. REBEL SPACEFIGHTER - POWER SECTION

A sudden pressure change sucks equipment and debris through 
the power section of the spacefighter.  Alarms are sound-
ing everywhere.  The spaceship shudders under the impact 
of the Imperial barrage.  Artoo and Threepio are blown, 
slipping and sliding across the hallway floor into a stack 
of freight canisters.  The lanky Threepio becomes lodged 
under a computer console.

THREEPIO
I'm dead!...I told you this 
would happen.  Artoo, I can't 
move.

Little Artoo waddles over to his trapped companion.  He
clears away several mangled canisters and climbs under the 
sparking and smoking computer.  He is chattering away in 
an elaborate combination of whistles, beeps and clicks.

THREEPIO (CONT'D)
Oh my, I think something is 
melting.  Artoo Detoo, this is 
all your fault...I should have 
known better than to listen to 
a half-pint thermo-astronic 
capulary dehousing - assister. 
You're truly faulty.

Artoo counters with a rather angry rebuttal as he struggles 
to pull the larger robot free from the small leg space under 
the computer console.  Two MEN hurriedly enter the power 
station and begin checking the damage.  The robots can only 
see the humans' legs as they pass to and fro in front of 
the desk-like console; but they recognize the voice of their 
captain: DEAK STARKILLER.

THREEPIO (CONT'D)
Shhh, it's the captain...

The captain's FIRST OFFICER pops his head under the console 
and sees Artoo straining to free Threepio.  The little 
robot stops.

OFFICER
Well, Hello!  Are you boys all 
right?

THREEPIO
Yes sir, I'll be out in a minute. 
No damage that I can tell. Sorry 
to be of trouble, sir...

OFFICER
As you were.

Artoo goes back to his pulling and pushing as the officer
again becomes a pair of legs, and is joined by the sturdier 
legs of Captain Starkiller.

OFFICER (CONT'D)
There's a C-3 unit jammed under 
the console, but no damage, sir.

Artoo uses one of his claw arms to cut away a small metal
beam bent around Threepio's shoulder.

DEAK
The solar activators are burned 
out.  The shields are down. 
They'll be boarding in no time. 
There is a Sith knight among 
them.  I can feel his para-force. 
Hurry, secure your assault posi-
tions.  The BOGAN force is strong 
with the enemy.

OFFICER
Yes sir, the men are ready.

The officer bows low and hurries out of the smoldering cham-
ber.  Artoo stops his work, and the robots quietly watch 
Deak's legs as he paces the room.  He stands for a few mo-
ments in meditation.  The two mechanical men suddenly feel 
as if they are intruding, and every little creak and noise 
becomes an embarrassment.  A VOICE from another part of the 
ship yells out to the captain, and he rushes out of the room. 
Threepio breathes a sigh of relief.

  THREEPIO
I think there will be no es-
cape for the captain this time...

6.EXT. REBEL SPACEFIGHTER

The smoldering silver rebel craft is quickly surrounded by 
the three giant Imperial warships.  One of the huge star-
destroyers moves into orbit just above the helpless rebel 
spacefighter.

7.INT. IMPERIAL STAR DESTROYER - COCKPIT

An awesome array of lighted panels and computer monitors are 
reflected in the polished black helmets of six Imperial 
master-pilots.  A fifth-ranked General of the Fleet sits in 
a rotating chair suspended from the cabin ceiling, watching 
the chief pilot maneuver the huge warship above the tiny 
rebel spacefighter.

CHIEF PILOT
That's as close as I dare take 
her.

CAPTAIN
(into intercom)
We are in position...stand by. 
Remember, Lord Vader wants as 
many of them taken alive as is 
possible.  There will be no 
slaughter.

8.EXT. IMPERIAL STAR DESTROYER - UNDERBELLY

The huge gray underbelly of the Imperial warship hovers less 
than twenty feet above the rebel spacefighter.

A small hatch near one of the complex antenna groupings
silently slides open.  With fascist precision, ten storm-
troopers wearing ominous armored spacesuits drop onto the 
top of the disabled rebel craft. A burly sergeant aims 
his powerful laser pistol at the silver hull.

9.INT. REBEL STAR FIGHTER - HALLWAY

A tremendous blast opens up a hole six feet wide in the
side of the main passageway, sucking equipment and debris
into the vacuum of space.  Three fearsome stormtroopers
armed with chrome multi-laser rifles make their way through 
the smoking debris into the padded hallway.  The SERGEANT 
and four more armored troopers quickly follow.

SERGEANT
Use your blades!  There's too 
much risk of blaster ricochet 
in these cramped quarters.

The troops sling the rifles over their shoulders and take
a small baton from their belts, which instantly ignites
into a long glowing laser sword.

At the far end of the passageway, a door swings wide reveal-
ing a rebel warrior wearing a breath mask and dressed in 
the distinctive uniform of an AQUILLIAN RANGER.  A long, 
deadly laser sword glows in his right hand, while several 
chrome ping-pong sized balls magically appear in his left. 
Tiny antenna project from the chrome balls, and before the 
stormtroopers can raise their weapons, the balls fly out 
of the ranger's hand.  One of the balls stops in the middle 
of the troops and explodes.  Three other balls shoot through 
the hole ripped in the side of the ship.

10.  EXT. IMPERIAL STARDESTROYER - UNDERBELLY

Six armored stormtroopers are assembled on the sleek silver 
hull of the rebel spacefighter.  The three chrome balls fly 
out of the rebel craft just as several more troops drop from 
the hatch of the Imperial stardestroyer.  One or the seeker-
bombs explodes among the assembled troops, flinging most of 
them into the vastness of space.  The two remaining bombs 
rocket toward the open hatch of the Imperial warship.  One 
of the surviving stormtroopers, clinging to the rebel craft, 
yells into his helmet intercom as he aims a laser pistol at 
the tiny chrome projectiles.

TROOPER
Seekers!  Seekers!  Close the 
hatches!!

A blast from the laser pistol hits one of the balls, and
it explodes harmlessly outside the stardestroyer.  The
second seeker bomb races into the stardestroyer, just as
the hatch slides closed.  A muffled explosion is heard in-
side the huge spacecraft.

11.  INT. REBEL SPACEFIGHTER - HALLWAY

The Aquillian ranger charges what's left of the storm-
troopers.  He swings his glowing laser sword high over his 
head; but before he can bring the deadly blade down on a 
victim, four more troops enter the ship and assail the 
ranger.  He puts up a good fight, but soon falls under the 
superior odds.  A half dozen more armored stormtroopers 
enter the damaged ship and cautiously make their way down 
the narrow hallway.

12.  INT. REBEL SPACEFIGHTER - COCKPIT

Smoke fills the crowded cockpit of the rebel starship. The 
pilot struggles to remove a wounded comrade as an exhausted 
Aquillian RANGER enters and bows before Deak Starkiller. 
The young captain's face is covered by a small, ornate face 
mask, but he appears to be about twenty-five years old. He 
is wearing the loose-fitting robes of a Jedi knight.

RANGER
The Bogan force is too strong 
upon us.  Our spirit is broken.

DEAK
You must rally the men, fight 
off your despair.  The force of 
others is still with us...

RANGER
Clieg is dead.  They're blasting 
the lifepods before we can clear 
the ship.  We're trapped...

DEAK
Then we must make this treachery 
costly for them.  Return to your 
station.

The ranger bows low before the Jedi starcaptain, and rushes 
out of the cockpit.  The pilot has returned to his seat in 
front of the ship's main control board.

DEAK (CONT'D)
What's the power now?

PILOT (TYREE)
It's up to five point nine; but 
we'll need a lot more to ignite 
the engines...There just isn't 
enough time...

DEAK
Keep at it.I'm going aft.

PILOT (TYREE)
But what about your father. He 
must have the KIBER Crystal if 
Ogana Major is to survive.  He 
won't be able to hold out against 
the Imperial siege much longer.
The risk was too great.  We'll 
never be able to make contact 
with Luke now.  We've lost every-
thing.  We should never...

DEAK
You're feeling the Bogan's despair.
Be strong, Tyree, drive it from 
your thoughts.  Luke is father's 
only hope...maybe there is still 
a slim chance we might salvage 
things.

He moves to the computer bank, and speaks into the intercom.

DEAK (CONT'D)
All R-2 units stand by for new 
prime directive programming...

He turns back to the pilot for a moment.

DEAK (CONT'D)
What's the R-2 scramble code?

Pilot (TYREE)
"Tan-takk RS-411".  Do you think 
one of them might get through?

DEAK
I'm afraid the chances of an R-2
unit finding Luke down there are 
much better than Luke's chances 
of getting back to father...R-2 
units compute as follows: Scramble 
code, tan-takk RS-411.  Prime 
directive - contact code "Angel 
blue".  Seek OWEN LARS at or near 
position: 321-DC-28.  Relay the 
following transcription:

13.  INT. REBEL SPACEFIGHTER - MAIN HALLWAY

Little Artoo stands ridged in the middle of the smoke-filled 
passageway.  Threepio runs awkwardly toward the tiny robot 
from a large hatchway at one end of the corridor.  Artoo's 
computer face blinks wildly.

THREEPIO
We're cut off.  They're coming 
from that direction.  I heard 
them.  Come on, we'll have to go 
back the way we came.

Artoo lets out a long musical whistle, but doesn't move.

THREEPIO (CONT'D)
Wait!?? They'll be here in mo-
ments!  I have no intention of 
getting sent to the spice mines 
of KESSAL, or smashed into... 
what?!  A new prime directive!??! 
Oh no!  Not at a time like this! 
How much longer?

The muted sounds of grinding and crushing get louder until 
a dozen Imperial stormtroopers, wearing spooky-looking armor, 
enter the passageway.  They arrange themselves geometrically, 
their movements synchronized, as they move stealthily through 
the unusually wide corridor.  Threepio grabs his little part-
ner and struggles to drag him into the shadows of an emer-
gency ventilator system.  Hard and weary, the troops advance 
-- their glowing laser swords held at ready.  Suddenly, 
directly in back of the stormtroopers, about ten feet away, 
the imposing young Jedi, Deak Starkiller, steps from behind 
the open hatch.

His chrome laser pistol still rests in its holster; but his 
laser sword sparks to life with a sharp hum.  One of the 
troopers senses his presence and turns freezing momentarily. 
The rest of the troops turn a second later, almost as a re-
flex action.  A slow grim smile creeps across Deak's face, 
as the troops realize they are outmatched.

TROOPER
He's a Jedi.  Use your blasters!

Six troopers who are carrying their chrome laser rifles at 
the ready start to step forward and raise their weapons. 
Deak is quicker.  In one amazing movement, he spins around, 
replacing his laser sword to his belt, and draws his deadly 
laser pistol, blasting out four shots that rip through the 
soldiers.  In a few moments, the entire passageway blazes 
with laser fire.  Laser bolts ricochet in wild random pat-
terns, creating small explosions and finally a small hole in 
the wall, which sucks debris and stormtroopers into space, 
until finally it is plugged by a large supply canister.

Artoo and Threepio are plummeted by loose equipment and de-
bris.  Threepio attempts to cover his head.  Artoo pulls a 
grate off the vent system and starts to enter the dark shaft. 
Threepio clings to a side rail for dear life as debris and 
laser bolts fly past him.  Artoo beeps to his terrified com-
panion.

THREEPIO
No more adventures!  I'm not 
going in there.  No!  Never!

Artoo disappears down the ominous shaft.  He leaves his friend 
with a few parting whistles.

THREEPIO (CONT'D)
Don't call me a mindless philosopher, 
you overweight glob of grease!  I 
simply think you are going the wrong 
way.

Threepio peers into the gloom of the vent shaft.

THREEPIO (CONT'D)
Hello?!?  Artoo?...

14.  INT. REBEL SPACEFIGHTER - COCKPIT CORRIDOR

Stormtroopers scatter and run down an adjoining passageway; 
others duck behind storage lockers.

Multiple laser fire rips through several stormtroopers who 
scream and stagger from the smoke, holding shattered arms 
and faces.  Deak and two Aquillian rangers back into a 
sealed corridor at the far end of the passageway.  Deak's 
gun jams, and the two rangers are cut down behind him. The 
young Jedi ignites his glowing red laser sword and begins 
swinging.  Stormtroopers are cut down right and left, un-
til they flee the corridor in panic, firing wildly as they 
stumble over canisters to escape.

Suddenly several of the panic-stricken troopers who had fled 
down a sub-hallway are back into the cockpit area, more 
afraid of what's down the sub-hallway than the deadly Jedi's 
blade.  Troopers still fleeing the area crash into those re-
turning.

TROOPER
The Sith Knight...Lord Vader is 
coming.  Go back.  Go back!

A new courage, or greater fear, seizes the troops and they 
turn on Deak again and renew the attack.  The troops scram-
ble away from the sub-hallway entrance, as something un-
speakably evil and terrifying approaches the cabin.

15.  INT. REBEL STARFIGHTER - SUB-HALLWAY

The tall, gleaming Threepio rushes through several low, nar-
row corridors, yelling at Artoo, who races along as fast as 
his stubby mechanical feet will carry him.

THREEPIO
Wait!  Wait a minute.  I'm coming.
...Would you mind telling me where
you are off to?

Artoo throws a short beep over his shoulder.

THREEPIO (CONT'D)

Leaving?!  Leaving where?  Don't 
be ridiculous, that's desertion! 
I order you to stop.  Did you 
hear me?  Stop!

Artoo continues on, countering with a frenzy of electronic 
whistles and twangs.
 

THREEPIO (CONT'D)
What new prime directive?  Why 
didn't I receive it? 
What's so important that I'm 
not to be trusted?  I don't 
believe you.  I think you're 
rattled.

Artoo stops before the small hatch of an emergency lifepod. 
He snaps the seal on the main latch and a red warning light 
begins to flash.  The stubby, dwarf-robot works his way 
into the cramped four-man pod.

THREEPIO (CONT'D)
Hey!  What are you doing?  You 
can't use that!...It's restricted. 
You're not permitted in there; 
you'll be de-activated for sure. 
The situation is not that des-
perate!  Now come out of there 
before someone sees you.

A new explosion, this time very close, sends dust and debris 
through the narrow sub-hallway.  Flames lick at the two ro-
bots.  After a flurry of electronic swearing from Artoo, the 
lanky bronze Threepio jumps into the lifepod.

THREEPIO (CONT'D)
I think I'm going to regret this; 
but my prime directive IS preser-
vation.

The safety door snaps shut, and with the thunder of explod-
ing latches, the tiny lifepod ejects from the disabled star-
fighter.

16.  INT. IMPERIAL STARDESTROYER - COCKPIT

On the main viewscreen, the lifepod carrying the two terri-
fied robots speeds away from the stricken rebel spacecraft.

CHIEF PILOT
There goes another one.  Look.

CAPTAIN
Hold your fire.  No lifeforms.
It must have short-circuited.

The captain gets a message on his headset.

CAPTAIN (CONT'D)
Yes...Yes...He's on his way 
down now...No. Good, excellent.
I'll relay it.
(he turns to
the pilots)
The ship is ours!

The pilots cheer and an excited murmur rushes throughout
the ship.

17.  EXT. SKY OVER UTAPAU - LIFEPOD

The reddish-yellow mass of Utapau seems to engulf the tiny 
lifepod containing the two robots.  The grouping of star-
destroyers grows smaller as the pod descends toward the 
planet.

THREEPIO
That's funny, the damage 
doesn't look as bad from out 
here.  Are you sure this thing 
is safe?

18.  INT. REBEL SPACEFIGHTER - COCKPIT CORRIDOR

Deak Starkiller cuts down several troops who make a fren-
zied, suicidal charge with laser swords.

TROOPS
The Bogan!  The Bogan!

They are no match for the incredibly agile young Jedi.  For 
an eerie moment, all is deathly quiet as a huge darker figure 
appears in the sub-hallway.  The remaining stormtroopers bow 
low toward the doorway.  An awesome, seven-foot BLACK KNIGHT 
OF THE SITH makes his way into the blinding light of the cock-
pit area.  This is LORD DARTH VADER, right hand to the MASTER 
OF THE SITH.  His sinister face is partially obscured by his 
flowing black robes and grotesque breath mask, which are in 
sharp contrast to the fascist white armored suits of the 
Imperial stormtroopers.  The troops instinctively back away 
from the imposing warrior.

Deak Starkiller stands firm; a new look of resolve sweeps
across his tired face.  The smoky room is deathly quiet, ex-
cept for the occasional snapping and popping of burning 
electrical circuits in the cockpit's sophisticated control 
panel.

As the Black Knight enters the corridor, the few surviving 
troopers scramble into the sub-hallway.  Lord Vader speaks 
in an oddly filtered voice through his complex breathing 
mask.

VADER
At last we meet!

DEAK
With so much commotion, I 
expected your master, not 
merely a servant.

Vader is angered by this remark.  Taking a deep breath, he 
raises his arms and every object that isn't bolted down is 
picked up by an invisible force and hurled at the young 
Jedi.  When the objects reach about two feet of Deak, they 
are deflected by an invisible shield which surrounds him.

DEAK (CONT'D)
The Bogan is strong with you; 
but not nearly strong enough. 
I'm afraid youÕll have to use 
your weapon, if you're able!

VADER
I am Lord Darth Vader, first 
Knight of the Sith, and right 
hand to His Eminence Prince 
Espaa Valorum, the Master of 
the Bogan.  You will not mock 
me, or my Master; for the Ashla 
is weak, and the FORCE OF OTHERS 
cannot save you now...

The fearsome dark knight ignites his laser sword and takes 
a defensive stance.  The two galactic warriors stand per-
fectly still for a few moments, sizing each other up and 
waiting for the right moment.  Deak seems to be under in-
creasing pressure and strain, as if an invisible weight 
were being placed upon him.  He shakes his head and blink-
ing, tries to clear his eyes.

VADER (CONT'D)
Your powers are weak...

Deak makes a sudden lunge at the huge warrior but is checked 
by a lightning movement of the SITH.  A second masterful 
slash-stroke by Deak is again blocked by his evil opponent.

They stand motionless for a few moments, with laser swords 
locked in mid-air, creating a low buzzing sound.  Another 
of the Jedi's blows is blocked, then countered.  Deak stum-
bles back against a wall.  Slowly Deak is forced to his 
knees as all his energy is drained from his being. Finally, 
he collapses in a heap.  The sinister knight lets out a 
horrible, shrieking laugh, as stormtroopers rush in with 
restraining poles, followed by a braided and flashy Imperial 
commander.  Deak's arms and legs are pinned to the wall.
He struggles with his bonds.

COMMANDER
So, we got him.  Your para-
force is strong indeed.  The 
Emperor will be pleased. Why, 
he's just a boy!

An Imperial officer takes a gold medallion from around the 
young Jedi's neck.

OFFICER
The Starkiller!

A murmur of astonishment races throughout the troops.

COMMANDER
Impossible!  He would have to 
be over three hundred years old.
How could this Jedi possibly be 
the Starkiller?

The great Black Knight studies the golden crest, and then
stares into the eyes of the fuming Jedi.  Vader has a visi-
ble dislike of the commander.

VADER
This is another of his sons.

COMMANDER
Your master said he'd killed them 
all...And why is he wearing his 
father's crest?

VADER
His father must be dead.  The 
Starkiller would never give this 
up if he were alive...It possesses 
great power.  This boy must be 
the last...

COMMANDER
"The son of the suns!" The 
last of the Starkiller line, 
whom the seer's have said 
would bring down the Empire.

VADER
It appears we have altered 
destiny.

COMMANDER
(to an aid)
Send word to the Emperor.
We've captured their "Savior".
The rebellion is broken. The 
Starkiller is dead.  Let the 
attack of Ogana Major begin...

The Black Knight takes a restraining pole from one of the
guards and brutally jabs the young Jedi in the chest.  Deak 
squirms in pain but does not cry out.  He is struck again.
An officer approaches the commander.

OFFICER
Why would he chance running 
the blockade to come out here 
in the middle of nowhere.
There is little on this planet...

COMMANDER
An interesting question. Send 
a platoon of "Tuskens" to the 
planet surface and have them 
report anything unusual. Maybe 
he has friends we should know 
about...
(turning pointedly
to Vader)
or perhaps another brother...

Vader gives the commander an angry stare and suddenly it
appears as if the commander can't catch his breath.  The
commander turns and rushes out of the cabin in great dis-
tress.  Vader punches Deak one last time.

VADER
You will come to know such suf-
fering as only the Master of the 
Bogan Force can provide.  From 
you he will learn many secrets...

Vader throws Deak's head back painfully hard against the
wall.

VADER (CONT'D)
(to the guards)
Bind him, and take him to my 
ship.
(to Deak)
There is no one to save you now.

His frightening laugh rings throughout the starship.

19.  EXT. PLANET UTAPAU - EDGE OF THE DUNE SEA

JUNDLAND, or "No Man's Land" where the rugged desert mesas 
meet the foreboding dune sea.  The two helpless astro-robots 
kick up clouds of dust as they leave the lifepod, and clum-
sily work their way across the desert coastline.  The stubby 
Artoo struggles desperately to keep up with the long-legged 
Threepio.  Suddenly, Artoo makes a sharp right turn, and 
starts off in the direction of the rocky desert mesas. 
Threepio stops and yells at him.

THREEPIO
Where do you think you're going?!?

A stream of electronic noises pour forth from the small ro-
bot.

THREEPIO (CONT'D)
...to find Owen Lars?!?  What's 
that?!?  Just because the boss 
was looking for his brother 
doesn't mean WE have to look for 
him!  That WAS the prime direc-
tive, but not anymore...Besides, 
why go that way?  It's so rocky. 
Why not go this way?  It would 
be much easier.  How do you KNOW 
Owen Lars is that way?

Artoo continues his electronic babbling.

THREEPIO (CONT'D)
Don't get technical with me. I 
think you're going the wrong way.
I've had just about enough of you! 
You pragmatic, nearsighted scrap 
pile.
I don't believe this "Angel Blue" 
even exits, but you just go that 
way.  You'll be malfunctioning 
within a day.

He picks up the tiny robot and tosses him several feet into 
a large sand dune.  Threepio starts off in the direction 
of the dune sea.  Artoo struggles to his three, stubby feet 
and shakes a metallic claw arm at his disappearing ex-partner.

THREEPIO (CONT'D)
(over his shoulder)
...And don't let me catch you 
following me begging for help --
because you won t get it!

Artoo counters with a few short whistles.

THREEPIO (CONT'D)
Don't call ME a traitor.  My 
loyalty is impeccable!...You 
emotion-brained intellectual...

Artoo's reply is a rather rude sound.  He turns and trudges 
off in the opposite direction.

20.  EXT. PLANET UTAPAU - DUNE SEA

Threepio, hot and tired, struggles up over the ridge of a
dune, only to find more dunes, which seem to go on for end-
less miles.  He looks back in the direction of the now dis-
tant rock mesas.

THREEPIO
You little malfunctioning twerp.
This is all your fault.  You 
tricked me into going this way, 
but you'll do no better.

He sits in a huff of anger and frustration, knocking the
sand from his joints.  His plight seems hopeless, when a
glint of reflected light in the distance reveals an object 
speeding toward him.  The bronze android waves frantically 
and yells at the approaching transport.

21.  EXT. PLANET UTAPAU - ROCK MESA

The little Artoo stumbles over several boulders as he strug-
gles to reach the crest of a rocky mesa.

He reaches the top and scans the foreboding desert valley
below.  Far in the distance, shining in the twin suns like 
an inviting oasis, stands the settlement of ANCHORHEAD.
The mechanical runt carries on an electronic conversation 
with himself as he searches the rugged ground for something. 
He picks up a large stone in his powerful claw hand, then 
discards it.  He finds another stone that he is apparently 
satisfied with, carries it to the edge of the butte, and 
tosses it over.  The stone slams down the steep side of the 
mesa, kicking up dust and creating a small avalanche.  He 
makes some quick calculations, then starts off down the 
treacherous slope.

22.  EXT. PLANET UTAPAU - ROCK CANYON

The gargantuan rock formations are shrouded in a strange
mist, and the ominous sounds of unearthly creatures fill
the air.  Artoo moves cautiously through the creepy rock
canyon, inadvertently making a loud clicking noise as he
goes.  He hears a distant, hard metallic sound and stops
for a moment.  He hears nothing.  He sees nothing moving. 
Convinced he is alone, he continues on his way.

In the distance, a pebble tumbles down the steep canyon wall 
and a small dark figure darts into the shadows.  A little 
further up the canyon, a slight flicker of light reveals a 
pair of eyes in the dark recesses, only a few feet from the 
narrow path.

The unsuspecting robot waddles along the rugged trail un-
til suddenly, out of nowhere, a powerful magnetic ray shoots 
out of the rocks and engulfs him in an eerie glow.  He 
manages one short electronic squeak before he topples over 
onto his back.  His bright computer lights flicker off, 
then on, then off again.  Out of the rocks scurry three 
MEN, no taller than Artoo.  They holster strange and com-
plex weapons as they cautiously approach the robot.  They 
wear grubby cloaks, and their faces are shrouded so that 
only their yellow eyes can be seen.  They hiss and make 
odd guttural sounds as they heave the heavy robot to their 
shoulders, and carry him off down the trail.  The vile little 
creatures grunt and groan as they struggle with their weighty 
prize.  They smell horribly, attracting small insects to 
the dark areas where their mouths and nostrils should be.

23.  EXT. ROCK CANYON - SANDCRAWLER

Eight dwarfs, or JAWAS, as they're sometimes called, carry 
Artoo out of the canyon to a huge sandcrawler -- a tank-
like vehicle the size of a two-story house.

They place the robot in a small bin on one side of the
crawler, and a mechanical arm promptly lifts the bin, dump-
ing the unconscious Artoo into the back of the giant trac-
tor.  The filthy little Jawas scurry like rats up small 
ladders and enter the main cabin of the behemoth transport. 
Several windows light up in the cockpit area toward the 
front of the crawler followed by the loud scream of power-
ful engines.  The enormous sandcrawler turns and lumbers 
off toward the magnificent twin suns, now slowly setting 
over a distant mountain range.

24.  INT. SANDCRAWLER - HOLD AREA

It is dim and dank inside the hold area of the sandcrawler. 
Artoo lies on a pile of metal scrap, lifepods, rocket parts, 
and the limbs and dismembered parts of robots.  Artoo's 
computer lights slowly begin to glow, then they blink on 
full power.  He makes a few electronic sounds to himself as 
he tries to figure out what happened, and where he is.  He 
stumbles around on the scrap heap until he thinks to turn 
on the small floodlight on his forehead.

The narrow beam swings across the rubble and stops on the
half-buried claw arm of another robot.  Artoo moves over
to the buried robot and calls to it, but gets no response. 
He pulls on the arm but it won't budge.  Finally he gives 
it a good tug and it breaks loose, sending him head over 
heels.  He sits dazed, holding the severed forearm of a 
power robot, then lets out a terrifying electronic shriek. 
The little robot scans the rest of the huge chamber with 
his headlights and sees a series of grotesquely twisted and 
maimed astro robots.  The narrow beam comes to rest on a 
battered, but otherwise whole "common-labor" robot.  The 
"laborer" makes a move to cover his giant electronic eye, 
which is extended on a long tube from his box-like body. 
Little Artoo jumps back in fright.

LABORER
Shut off that light!

Artoo is still shaken, but manages a short apology and then 
shuts off his light.  The laborer robot is barely visible.

LABORER (CONT'D)
Is there no peace!?  This is 
MY chamber, go find yourself 
another.  Go on...go on!  Get 
out!

Artoo stumbles off toward what appears to be a door at the 
end of the chamber.

He enters a large room with a very low ceiling (about four 
feet high).  In the middle of the scrap heap sit a dozen 
or so robots of various shapes and sizes.  Some are engaged 
in electronic conversation, while others simply mill about.
In the middle of the group sits a strange, little robot with 
a large worklight for a head, which illuminates the odd 
assemblage of mechanical slaves.  A blue "astroconstruction" 
robot -- somewhat similar to Artoo, only a bit fatter -
approaches the newcomer and beeps an electronic greeting.
The two stubby robots exchange electronic analysis of the 
situation as they waddle toward the group.  A voice of rec-
ognition calls out from the gloom.

THREEPIO
Artoo!  Artoo Detoo!  It's you!

A battered and slightly worse-for-wear Threepio scrambles
up to Artoo on his hands and knees (remember the four foot 
ceiling) and embraces him.

THREEPIO (CONT'D)
...they've caught you, too. I'm
afraid we're doomed!  We're 
doomed!

The blue robot continues on back to the group as the two
old companions huddle in a hollow of scrap metal.

THREEPIO (CONT'D)
We've landed on one of the 
OUTLAND DARK PLANETS!  There is 
no hope for us now.  These Jawa's 
aren't traders, they're metalmen.
They'll melt us down.  I'm not 
useful like you, they'll scrap me 
for sure.

Artoo makes a short electronic reply.

THREEPIO (CONT'D)
You're right.  I should not have 
ignored your prime directive.
But it's a little late now...
Wait, we're stopping!

25.  EXT. WASTELAND - NIGHT

The monstrous sandcrawler pulls up to a large outcropping
of rocks in the trail and grinds to a rumbling stop.

Several Jawa's scramble out of the huge vehicle to inspect 
the boulders blocking the trail.  An argument erupts between 
one Jawa, in a red habit, and the other hooded dwarfs.  He 
yells something at the others, then walks off to the side 
of the trail.  The rest of the little creatures climb back 
into the giant tank.  The crawler starts with a low hummmmm, 
slowly moving forward until a loud scraping noise screams 
from beneath the chassis.  The red-cloaked dwarf climbs on-
to a nearby rock and yells at the others to stop.  They ig-
nore him.

26.  INT. SANDCRAWLER - HOLD AREA

The scraping sound is haunting as well as deafening.  The
entire chamber trembles, creating quite a commotion among
the mechanical men.  At the far end of the long chamber, a 
bright light suddenly appears, followed by a cacophony of 
electronic shouts and yells.  The "common labor" robot runs 
past the confused Artoo and Threepio.

LABORER
We're free!  We're free!

Amidst the confusion of the fleeing robots, Artoo and Threepio 
carefully make their way toward a break in the side of the 
crawler.  Several Jawas appear at the opening with pistols, 
but before they can fire, they are knocked over and trampled 
by the fleeing mechanical men.

27.  EXT. WASTELAND - NIGHT

The sound of yelling Jawas and screaming robots fades in
the distance as Artoo and Threepio scramble up a narrow ra-
vine away from the sandcrawler.  They duck into a tiny crev-
ice in the rock to avoid several fleeing robots, followed
by a dozen armed Jawas.  After a few moments they peer out, 
and seeing that the way is clear, rush off down the winding
path.

DISSOLVE TO:

28.  EXT. PLANET UTAPAU - ANCHORHEAD SETTLEMENT

A small settlement, consisting of a few run-down blockhouse-
type buildings, rests against one of the huge rock mesas. 
The two robots study the sleepy little camp from a bluff 
some distance away.

THREEPIO
I don't like it.
What if there are more Jawa-
scavengers down there?

The runt-like Artoo starts off down the side of the rocky
bluff.

THREEPIO (CONT'D)
Wait a minute!It's too 
dangerous.  We need a plan...

Threepio chases his little partner down the slope.

29.  EXT. ANCHORHEAD SETTLEMENT - MAIN STREET

The dozen or so buildings are bleached white by the two
Utapau suns.  A harsh and dusty wind blows through the empty 
streets of the tiny settlement.  A rather frightened Threepio 
follows his little companion down the foreboding street to-
ward a low concrete structure that is all but covered by the 
desert sands.  The rusted hulk of a powerful "landspeeder" 
(an auto-like transport which travels a few feet above the 
ground on a magnetic field) lies half-buried to one side of 
the building.  The two robots cautiously approach the dilapi-
dated power station.

THREEPIO
I don't like this...

It is quiet, but for the continual wind.  A dismantled speeder 
rests in the repair bay of the gas station-like building. 
There is a sharp dripping sound coming from the speeder. It 
appears that no one is around.

THREEPIO (CONT'D)
Greetings!...Greetings.  Is 
anyone home?
(to Artoo)
I think you're overheated.
There is no one here...

Out of the gloom of the office behind them, a voice cuts
through the silence:

VOICE (MECHANIC)
What can I do you for?

The robots turn around with a start.  A short, wizened old 
MECHANIC of sixty or seventy stands before them.

MECHANIC (CONT'D)
Who are you with?

THREEPIO
Greetings, sir.  I'm See Threepio,
Human-Cyborg relations.  This is 
my counterpart, Artoo Detoo. Your 
kindness would be greatly appre-
ciated...

The old mechanic is a bit suspicious.  An evil look fills
his eye.  He rubs his grimy, withered hand over Threepio's 
smooth metal shoulder.

MECHANIC
You're in very good shape for 
these parts...Where is your 
master?  You do have a master,
don't you?

Artoo beeps a few signals to his bronze friend.  The old
mechanic begins to fiddle with the wrench he is holding,
in the most unsettling way.  Threepio becomes a bit nervous.

THREEPIO
I am looking for one Owen Lars.
We believe him to be of this 
settlement.  Do you know where 
we might find him?

The mechanic starts dragging a heavy power-pack toward the 
station.

MECHANIC
Lars!  I should have known...He 
should know better than to let 
you travel alone.  He has a place 
about three measures out of town.
Due north, you can't miss it. It's 
the only place out there...

Artoo helps the old man with the heavy power pack.

THREEPIO
Your kindness is greatly appreciated.

MECHANIC
Any time I can help Lars, I am at 
his service.  You tell him that.
Be careful going out there, 
this ain't good country for 
you two to be running loose 
in.

THREEPIO
Yes sir, we appreciate your 
concern.

The two robots start down the empty street heading north,
leaving the old mechanic scratching his head.  The old man 
passes a sinister-looking, black Imperial speeder half 
hidden behind a generator as he returns to his gloomy of-
fice.

30.  INT. POWER STATION OFFICE - ANCHORHEAD SETTLEMENT

In the shadows of the dingy little office sits a large, burly 
Imperial "Tusken".  His reddish eyes are sunken in a larger 
than normal, dust-covered face.  He sits up in his chair.

MECHANIC
Now there's something "out of 
the ordinary" for you.  I wonder 
what they want with Lars?

The gray Tusken thinks about this for a moment.

TUSKEN
I'd better make a report.

31.  EXT. PLANET UTAPAU - WASTELAND - HOMESTEAD VALLEY

Several concrete buildings squat in the middle of a desolate 
valley.  Threepio hurries after his determined companion as 
they near the low gray structures.

THREEPIO
...I don't care; he STILL could 
have offered us transport.  How 
much further do you suppose. 
I've got to rest, before I fall 
apart.  My joints are almost fro-
zen.  What a forsaken place this 
is.  We seem to be made to suffer, 
it's our lot in life...

32.  EXT. LARS HOMESTEAD - COURTYARD

Artoo and Threepio enter the main courtyard of the Lars
Homestead and find themselves standing in a sparse but spark-
ling oasis, with low concrete walls and great turrets spill-
ing over with foliage from rooftop gardens.  They stop be-
fore an enormous shaded corridor. BIGGS AND WINDY STARKILLER, 
twin boys a little over seven years old, run through the 
long tile walkway to greet the robots.  Yelling and laughing, 
their tiny footsteps echo throughout the building.  They are 
quickly followed by OWEN LARS, a bearded, sturdy-burly man 
in his early fifties and his plump-jolly wife, BERU.  Their 
beautiful sixteen-year-old daughter, LEIA, stands shyly at 
the far end of the entry.  The twins run around the robots, 
jumping and screaming their excitement.  The mechanical men 
are somewhat befuddled by the dynamic duo, and attempt to 
ignore them.

LARS
Welcome.  May we offer you 
shelter?  Are you lost, or do 
you travel with someone?

THREEPIO
Greetings.  I am See Threepio, 
Human-Cyborg relations.  This 
is my counterpart, Artoo Detoo.
We seek the dwelling of Owen 
Lars.

LARS
You have found it, my friends.
I am Owen Lars...
(to the riotous
twins)
Boys, slow down a little and
let them speak...

THREEPIO
We have come for the one called 
"Angel Blue".

Owen and Beru are startled at the mention of "Angel Blue". 
Leia approaches the group, and eyes the robots suspiciously; 
she turns to her father.

LEIA
Father, I think they're a trap, 
sent by an evil Jawa trading lord, 
or the dark master of the Bogan, 
or maybe even the Emperor himself.

LARS
Leia.

LEIA
Yes, that's it.  They've inter-
cepted transmission fragments 
and are now searching the galaxy 
for the source.  They don't know 
the origin, so they have sent 
these...

BERU
Leia, please!  Let your father 
handle this.

LARS
Who speaks for you?  From what 
system do you hail?

THREEPIO
Deak 331-27-27 of Ogana Major...

Beru's concern at the mention of Deak cannot be contained.

BERU
What has happened?  Where is 
Deak?

THREEPIO
Our master has been attacked
My counterpart brings his mes-
sage for the one called "Angel 
Blue".

LARS
Luke is in the southern ravine.
The boys will take you to him.

The two boys let out a cheer and run off toward the distant 
horizon.

THREEPIO
Your kindness is greatly appre-
ciated.  We thank you...
(turning to
the boys)
Wait!  Slow down a bit.

The mechanical duo lumber off after the disappearing twins.

33.  EXT. DESERT RAVINE

Alone in a wind-swept canyon stands LUKE STARKILLER, a short, 
chubby boy about eighteen years old.  He seems frozen in 
place, a humming laser sword held high over his head.  The 
twins stop on the ridge overlooking their brother and fall 
silent.  The robots soon take up position behind them.

THREEPIO
Is that "Angel Blue"?

Biggs turns and gestures to the tall bronze man to be quiet. 
Suspended at eye level -- about ten feet in front of Luke --
a chrome baseball covered with antenna hovers slowly in a 
wide arc.  The ball floats to one side of the youth, then 
to the other.  Suddenly it makes a lightning swift lunge and 
stops within a few feet of Luke's face.  Luke doesn't move, 
and the ball backs off.  It slowly moves behind the boy, 
then makes another quick lunge, this time emitting a blood-
red laser beam as it attacks.

Luke sparks to life.  With one amazingly swift move, he
turns and swings his laser sword, deflecting the beam, and 
losing his balance, tumbles to the desert floor.  The ball 
shoots straight up in the air about twenty feet, then drops 
like a rock firing a second laser bolt, which hits the youth 
square on the seat of his pants.  Luke lets out a painful 
yell and attempts to scramble to his feet, but is hit several 
more times before he manages to regain his balance and de-
flect the bolts.

The ball ceases firing, and moves back to its original posi-
tion.  Luke raises his hand signaling "enough for one day".
He wearily picks up his things, including the chrome ball, 
then turns and waves to the small group on the ridge.  The 
twins run down to greet him.  By the time the cumbersome 
Artoo and Threepio make it down the slope, Biggs and Windy 
are climbing all over their big brother.

THREEPIO (CONT'D)
"Angel Blue"?...

LUKE
"...the skywalker"...

The two robots make a short bow before the youth.

THREEPIO
See Threepio, and my counterpart 
Artoo Detoo.  At your service, sir.

LUKE
You have word of my brother.
What has happened to him?

THREEPIO
I'm sorry, sir; but I am unable 
to explain the absence of our 
master.  We only bring his mes-
sage...

Artoo makes a few electronic beeps and whistles; then after 
a little static, a small (two foot) 3-D hologram of Deak is 
projected from the face of the robot.  The image is a rain-
bow of color as it flickers and jiggles in the desert waste-
land.

DEAK'S IMAGE
Whippersnapper, I didn't make 
it...I'm sorry.  The forces of 
the Bogan have become strong 
and deadly...I am lost.  Father 
is in grave danger.  He needs 
you and he needs the KIBER CRYSTAL.
You must find a way to get to 
Ogana Major on your own.  He is 
waiting for you there.  Be care-
ful, though.  Ogana Major is 
under siege by the Imperial 
Legions of Alderaan.  You must 
hurry for the force of the Ashla 
grows weak, and I don't know how 
much longer father can hold out.
The enemy has constructed a power-
ful weapon to use against him.
Warn Uncle...

An Aquillian officer enters the hologram and interrupts Deak. 
There is a little static, then the transmission is cut short. 
A grave concern sweeps over Luke as he contemplates the fate 
of his brother.  Biggs and Windy are puzzled.

BIGGS
Who was that?

LUKE
That was your brother Deak.  I 
wish you could see him in person, 
he is so terrific...I'm afraid 
you may never see him now.  Run 
to the house.
Tell Aunt Beru or Uncle Owen 
I'm going to be awhile.  Go 
on now...Take them with you.

The boys rush off with the robots in tow, leaving Luke sit-
ting silently alone.  He picks up some small stones and be-
gins to toss them at a large boulder.  A chip in the boulder 
reveals a small shiny fossil.  Luke spots it and goes over 
to study it.  He takes a small camera out of his bag and 
photographs it, making some accompanying notations in a small 
book.

34.  INT. LARS HOMESTEAD - DINING AREA

Owen Lars and the three boys sit before a table covered with 
steaming bowls of food.  Biggs and Windy are eating between 
giggles and horseplay.  Luke has barely touched his dinner. 
Leia enters from the kitchen with a flask filled with blue 
milk.  She sits near Luke.

OWEN
Where's the thanta sauce?
(yelling into
the other room)
Honey, where's the thanta 
sauce?

Beru enters carrying a small pitcher.  She gives Owen a
knowing smile as she slides into her place at the table.

BERU
I never!  I put it right here 
in front so you'd see it.

She hands him a dish, and he grunts an embarrassed reply.

BERU (CONT'D)
Luke, you've hardly touched 
your dinner.  Have some bum-bum 
extract.  It's very mild.

OWEN
(to Luke)
The force of the Bogan is strong, 
and if you don't feel you can 
make it, you probably won't.

LUKE
I've never even been past this 
planet...and I never thought I'd 
be going alone.
Suddenly I feel very small --
and well...desperate.

OWEN
How I wish I had the counsel of 
your father.  Ever since your 
mother died, we have fallen on 
doubtful times...

LUKE
Deak is in trouble.  I should 
be helping him...

OWEN
If your brother is still alive, 
they will have taken him to the 
dungeons of ALDERAAN, at the 
very heart of the Empire.  No 
one, not even your father in his 
prime, could help him there.

Biggs and Windy have finished eating and are getting restless.

BIGGS
May we play with the "droids"?

BERU
Take your plates out first.

The twins scamper into the kitchen with their dirty dishes.

OWEN
Your father is getting very old.
I fear he needs your help more 
than your brother does, and much 
more depends on him succeeding.
If he at last has asked for the 
Kiber Crystal, his powers must 
be very weak.  It is a dangerous 
thing to have loose in the galaxy
...and you need him, for you are 
not yet with the FORCE OF OTHERS.
I have taught you the ways of a 
skilled warrior, but I am not a 
Jedi Bendu.  The ways of the 
spirit you must learn from your 
father.

LUKE
But my catalog on the ancients.
I haven't nearly completed it...

OWEN
Luke, you're not a researcher, 
or a philosopher.  You're the 
son of a Jedi.  Your brothers 
accepted their destiny with joy 
and pride.  Anyone would.  Why 
can't you?

LUKE
I may be a good pilot, but I'm 
not a warrior.  No matter how 
hard I try.  It's just not in me.

OWEN
I know, you'd rather carve a jud 
stone, or work on your catalog of
the ancients...I've trained seven 
of your father's sons and it's 
clear that you are not the most 
gifted in the disciplines -- not 
in power or speed, at any rate...

LUKE
Deak was the best; but that didn't 
seem to be good enough...

BERU
But you have the way about you...
and wisdom far beyond your years...

OWEN
You must learn to use such strength 
and wits as you have.  Your father 
has need of the Kiber Crystal. The 
decision is yours.  I cannot bear 
this burden for you, my duty is to 
the twins.  But we must do something 
soon.  The enemy is moving, and we 
are no longer safe here.

Leia listens to the discussion with much interest.  She
watches Luke with un-concealed admiration.

BERU
Luke, if you do decide to go, re-
member Ogana Major is far across 
the galaxy.
Without Deak to help you, the 
way will be difficult, and 
chances of your reaching your 
father are slim.  Don't try it 
if you think you are going to 
fail.  The power of the Bogan 
force has grown strong; but if 
the Kiber Crystal were to fall 
into the hands of the enemy, all 
hope would be lost...

OWEN
Somehow, you will have to manage 
to find transport in MOS EISLEY,
and once you do, the way through 
the Outland Systems will be dark 
and dangerous.  The wild things 
there are queer and savage, un-
like anything you've experienced 
here.

Leia is unable to control her concern.

LEIA
Luke, you don't even know the "grip 
of tython" or "the seven moves".
You can't...

OWEN
Leia...

Leia settles down, but she is clearly worried.  There is a 
long silence.  Owen sits back in his chair, and lights up 
his pipe.  The twins can be heard playing with Artoo and 
Threepio in the other room.  The silence becomes uncomfort-
able.

LUKE
I suppose I must go...

Tears begin to roll down Leia's cheeks, and she rushes from 
the room.  Beru looks to Owen, who looks to Luke, who looks 
embarrassed.

BERU
The prayers of all of us go 
with you.

LUKE
The Empire's vast size and power 
is its greatest weakness.  I 
think I can make it...But I would 
rather help Deak trapped in the 
heart of the Empire than face this 
father I don't remember.

Owen gets up from the table and gently pats Luke on the
shoulder.

35.  EXT. LARS HOMESTEAD - GRAVE SITE - DUSK

Luke sits before a tall smooth stone planted on a burial
mound.  He sits with his head bowed to his knees.  Finally 
he stands up and speaks to the stone.

LUKE
Well, Mom. I guess this is my last 
visit...I'm going to finally get 
to meet him...I fear many Jedi have 
fallen since your death, for the 
Bogan force is now heavy among us.
Father asks for the Kiber Crystal 
so there is little hope.  I'm sure 
the boys will stay safe with Uncle 
Owen...I sure miss you...

The twin suns of Utapau rest red on the horizon as Luke
leaves the grave site and walks the short distance to the
main house.

36.  INT. LARS HOMESTEAD - MAIN LIVING AREA - DUSK

The main living area is a dim, cool room projecting a feel-
ing of time-worn comfort and security. Owen lovingly moves 
his arm around Beru as they stand before a large window 
watching the giant twin suns of Utapau slowly disappear be-
hind a distant dune range.
 

BERU
Aren't they beautiful?

OWEN
"Always and never the same."

BERU
Must we leave?

OWEN
I think with Luke going, we'll 
be safe here for awhile.  We've 
been the happiest here, haven't 
we...

BERU
Owen, he's not ready, is he?...
Why don't you stop him?  What 
was Deak thinking of to place 
such an impossible task before 
his brother...

The door opens and Luke enters, collapsing in a large, over-
stuffed chair near a pot-belly thermal-heater which dominates 
the room.  A warm friendly glow radiates from a tiny portal 
in front of the heater.  Luke's gaze is fixed on the red em-
bers, but his eyes are lit as if by a greater fire from 
within.

Owen and Beru talk quietly in the background.  She rests her 
head on his shoulder as the last rays of sunlight stream 
across the floor of the room.  A playful Biggs and Windy 
enter with Leia and stand in the doorway.  The twins are 
dressed in their night clothes.

BIGGS
What's going on in here?

Luke returns from his world of dark thoughts and smiles at 
them.  The twins rush up to Owen and Beru, give them a kiss, 
then bounce over to Luke, and jump into his lap.

BERU
Don't be too late now.

Owen and Beru take Leia into the other room.

WINDY
Why are you going away?

LUKE
Because our father needs me, 
as he will need you someday.

BIGGS
I thought our father was killed?

LUKE
The time has come for me to 
tell you of your heritage, as 
Deak told it to me and as his 
older brother Cliegg told it 
to him.

The boys settle down and listen attentively.

LUKE (CONT'D)
In another time, long before 
the Empire, and before the 
Republic had been formed, a 
holy man called the Skywalker 
became aware of a powerful 
energy field which he believed 
influenced the destiny of all 
living creatures...

BIGGS
The "FORCE OF OTHERS"!

LUKE
Yes, and after much study, he 
was able to know the force, and 
it communicated with him.  He 
came to see things in a new way.
His "aura" and powers grew very 
strong.  The Skywalker brought a 
new life to the people of his 
system, and became one of the 
founders of the Republic Galactica.

WINDY
The "FORCE OF OTHERS" talked to 
him!?!

LUKE
In a manner different from the way 
we talk.  As you know, the "FORCE 
OF OTHERS" has two halves: Ashla, 
the good, and Bogan, the paraforce 
or evil part.  Fortunately, Skywalker 
came to know the good half and was 
able to resist the paraforce; but 
he realized that if he taught others 
the way of the Ashla, some, with 
less strength, might come to know 
Bogan, the dark side, and bring un-
thinkable suffering to the Universe.
For this reason, the Skywalker 
entrusted the secret of THE 
FORCE only to his twelve children, 
and they in turn passed on the 
knowledge only to their children, 
who became known as the Jedi Bendu 
of the Ashla: "the servants of 
the force".  For thousands of 
years, they brought peace and 
justice to the galaxy.  At one 
time there were several hundred 
Jedi families, but now there are 
only two or three.

WINDY
What happened to them?

LUKE
As the Republic spread throughout 
the galaxy, encompassing over a 
million worlds, the GREAT SENATE 
grew to such overwhelming propor-
tions that it no longer responded 
to the needs of its citizens.
After a series of assassinations 
and elaborately rigged elections, 
the Great Senate became secretly 
controlled by the Power and Trans-
port guilds.  When the Jedi dis-
covered the conspiracy and attempted 
to purge the Senate, they were de-
nounced as traitors.  Several Jedi 
allowed themselves to be tried and 
executed, but most of them fled 
into the Outland systems and tried 
to tell people of the conspiracy.
But the elders chose to remain behind, 
and the Great Senate diverted them 
by creating civil disorder.  The 
Senate secretly instigated race wars, 
and aided anti-government terrorists.
They slowed down the system of jus-
tice, which caused the crime rate 
to rise to the point where a totally 
controlled and oppressive police 
state was welcomed by the systems.
The Empire was born.  The systems 
were exploited by a new economic 
policy which raised the cost of 
power and transport to unbelievable 
heights.
Many worlds were destroyed this 
way.  Many people starved...

BIGGS
Why didn't the "FORCE OF OTHERS" 
help the Jedi to put things right?

LUKE
Because a terrible thing happened.
During one of his lessons a young 
PADAWAN-JEDI, a boy named Darklighter, 
came to know the evil half of the 
force, and fell victim to the spell 
of the dreaded Bogan.  He ran away 
from his instructor and taught the 
evil ways of the Bogan Force to a 
clan of Sith pirates, who then 
spread untold misery throughout 
the systems.  They became the per-
sonal bodyguards of the Emperor.
The Jedi were hunted down by these 
deadly Sith knights.  With every 
Jedi death, contact with the Ashla 
grows weaker, and the force of the 
Bogan grows more powerful.

WINDY
Where are the Jedi now?

LUKE
They're hidden; but many are still 
fighting to free the systems from 
the grip of the Empire.  Our father 
is a Jedi.  He is called "The 
Starkiller" and is said to be a 
great and wise man, and tomorrow 
I am on my way to join him and 
learn the ways of the "FORCE OF 
OTHERS".

BIGGS
Can we go, too?

LUKE
Not yet, Biggs my boy.  There is 
much you must learn from Uncle 
Owen -- where it is safe.  And 
when you are ready, I will come 
back for you...I promise.

37.  EXT. LARS HOMESTEAD - COURTYARD - DAWN

Early morning breaks across the quiet little courtyard as
Owen and Luke lift supplies into the back of a low, bat-
tered, two-man landspeeder.  Threepio lifts Artoo into a 
tiny jump-seat, then climbs into the passenger compartment. 
Beru, Leia, and the twins stand in the entryway, silently 
watching. The storage hatch is slammed shut with a bang.
Owen unfastens his gun-belt and hands it to Luke.  He slides 
back a small latch on the belt buckle revealing a small 
diamond-like crystal.  Luke carefully examines it.

LUKE
The Kiber Crystal!

OWEN
The only one.  A Jedi can use 
it to intensify the Ashla force 
a hundred fold; but, remember it 
can also be used to intensify the 
power of the Bogan...It must not 
fall into the hands of the Sith...
They would do anything to have it.

Luke stands looking at the Crystal for a few moments, then 
snaps the buckle closed and puts on the belt.

OWEN (CONT'D)