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STAR WARS
(EPISODE IV 1/2)
ALLIANCE FOR REVOLUTION
by
Jared Sizemore
A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away....
A vast sea of stars serves as the backdrop for the main title. War
drums echo through the heavens as a rollup slowly crawls to infinity.
After a narrow escape from Yavin,
the Rebel Alliance combs the
galaxy in a desperate search for
a more secure base of operations.
Luke Skywalker and Han Solo
journey to the small planet of
Mantell to make contact with a
growing rebel movement.
Meanwhile, Darth Vader prepares
to launch the newly refurbished
Imperial fleet in an effort to
find and crush the Rebellion
once and for all....
EXT. SPACE
Pan down to Coruscant, the capital of the Galactic Empire. Myriad
flying vessels pulse over the vast urban world. An impressive, jet
black SPACE STATION FORTRESS floats in orbit.
The gigantic Imperial Star Destroyer EXECUTOR cruises toward the
station. A squadron of TIE FIGHTERS emerge from the Executor and race
toward the station. A small shuttle follows the fighters.
INT. SPACE STATION
The shuttle lands on a gray platform. A dark figure exits the craft and
enters an elevator.
INT. THRONE ROOM
Two Red Imperial Guards stand at attention. On the other side of the
room, a dark throne faces a huge viewport. The seemingly infinite field
of stars is the primary light source.
The elevator lights come on. The guards turn as the door opens,
revealing DARTH VADER, breathing heavily through his mechanical breath
mask.
Vader approaches the Supreme Monarch's throne and kneels. Emperor
Palpatine's chair rotates to face the dark lord. The Emperor is a
disheveled, but confident, old man with malevolent yellow eyes.
EMPEROR
Is the fleet ready, Lord Vader?
VADER
Yes, my master.
EMPEROR
I sense that you wish to continue
pursuit of the pilot who destroyed
the Death Star...
(pause)
...the one with whom you said the
force was strong.
VADER
Yes, my master.
EMPEROR
His identity is still a mystery?
VADER
Yes, but not for long.
EMPEROR
I feel that this mission could
have serious...repercussions.
Vader is silent.
EMPEROR
The fleet is yours to command, Lord
Vader. The Rebellion is weak. You
must crush them soon.
VADER
Our reports say the main Rebel
fleet is traveling through the
Ramya Sector. We will confront
them there.
EMPEROR
Good. Go.
Vader bows, then turns to leave.
EMPEROR
Bring me all information acquired
concerning the pilot.
Vader nods, then walks out.
INT. EXECUTOR - BRIDGE
Darth Vader stalks onto the bridge. Officers and men brace themselves
as he walks by. His breathing sends chills down their spines. ADMIRAL
OZZEL stands at attention.
VADER
Admiral, plot a course for the
Ramya Sector.
OZZEL
Yes, my lord.
Ozzel nods to a controller. Vader goes to a viewport and peers out into
deep space.
EXT. CORUSCANT ORBIT - SPACE STATION
The Executor launches out from orbit, accompanied by two other menacing
Imperial Star Destroyers.
EXT. SPACE
The MILLENNIUM FALCON zooms through outer space.
INT. MILLENNIUM FALCON - COCKPIT
Han Solo and Luke Skywalker occupy the pilot and co-pilot's spots,
respectively.
LUKE
Standing by. Ready for diplomatic
negotiations, Captain Solo?
HAN
Enough with the formalities, Luke.
LUKE
That's Major Skywalker.
(smiles)
Han
Look, kid. There's no way you're
ranked higher than me, just because
you got lucky back there on Yavin.
(points a finger at Luke)
And I saved your keister anyway,
remember?
(settles back in his chair)
I'm not even really part
of this Alliance anyway so....
Beeping interrupts Han. And then a familiar growl blares over the
intercom.
HAN
What is it, Chewie?
Chewbacca growls some more.
HAN
Looks like we're comin' up on
Mantell. Stand by.
Luke shoots him a glance.
HAN
(humoring him)
Stand by...sir.
Luke smiles and nods.
HAN
Besides, you're a major in the
army. I'm a captain in the
fleet. That's totally different.
LUKE
Hey, I'm in the fleet too.
HAN
Whatever, blondie.
The blue-green-orange planet of MANTELL with its small moon becomes
visible through the cockpit viewport.
LUKE
So, you know these people right?
HAN
(smirk)
I thought you did.
LUKE
(presses a button)
Y'all ready back there, Wedge?
WEDGE(VO)
Yes, sir. Ready as we'll ever
be.
HAN
Crammin' that shuttle into the
Falcon is gonna cause long-term
damage. Some funky wave emissions
from the shuttle's engine have been
messing with the Falcon's
hyperdrive.
LUKE
Eh, don't worry about it. We're
almost there.
EXT. SPACE - MANTELL SYSTEM
The Falcon glides into orbit.
INT. MILLENNIUM FALCON - COCKPIT
Han looks puzzled.
HAN
That's weird. Complete radio
silence. Strange for a system that
supposedly wants to join the
Rebellion.
LUKE
(eyes closed)
I don't sense anything.
Han rolls his eyes at the young "Jedi".
HAN
Here we go. Chewie?
INT. MILLENNIUM FALCON - HOLD - SHUTTLE - COCKPIT
Chewbacca and Wedge Antilles are snug at the controls of the small
craft. A cozy holding area behind them contains supplies.
Chewie howls back to Han, then hits some buttons. Wedge straps himself
in. The engine powers up.
INT. MILLENNIUM FALCON - COCKPIT
An odd reverberation noise echoes through the equipment.
HAN
There it is again. Quit it!
He smacks controls behind him twice with his fist.
LUKE
(to dash comlink)
Mantell, this is the Millennium
Falcon. Come in, please.
Garbled noise and static comes over the system. Then finally...
MAN(VO)
Millennium Falcon, you are clear to
proceed to platform one-one-three-
eight.
LUKE
Thank--
STATIC interrupts Luke.
EXT. MANTELL - SKY - DAY
The Falcon flies over the twin capital cities of EROM and EZIS. There
is no other air traffic.
INT. MILLENNIUM FALCON - HOLD - SHUTTLE - COCKPIT
WEDGE
Okay, Chewie. After their meeting
with the President we'll rendezvous
back with the Falcon at
approximately six-twenty hours.
Chewie says something. He sounds upset. Wedge reads the translator on
the dash.
WEDGE
What's a matter? Haven't you ever
gone on a recon mission before?
LUKE(VO)
(over intercom)
Prepare to disembark. Remember
guys, scout primarily their air
fields and industrial facilities.
We need to assess their defense
capabilities.
WEDGE
Got it, boss.
LUKE(VO)
Opening cargo hold.
EXT. MANTELL - SKY - DAY
The Falcon's cargo bay door retracts. The shuttle thrusters its way out
and over the city. The bay door shuts.
The Falcon continues its descent and sets down on its assigned landing
platform. The city of Erom is quiet around them. A large statue of a
man in pilot gear adorns the city square.
EXT. EROM - LANDING PLATFORM - DAY
Old brick buildings surround the ship. The ground surface is a sandy
dirt-like substance. A narrow arched passageway is the only way out of
the landing area into the city.
The Falcon's ramp lowers and Han and Luke emerge. They look around but
see no one.
HAN
I told ya this was weird. What are
we doing here, anyway?
LUKE
The Princess is convinced this
system is strategically located and
is ready to join us. I trust her.
HAN
Hmmm. With all due respect to Her
Highness, I trust my gut more.
They start walking toward the passageway. On the arch facing in is a
sculpture carved out of stone of a man's head wearing a pilot's helmet.
The passageway's roof blocks the sunlight.
Once they get about half-way down the passage, a panel opens up behind
them. A droid on wheels with a large ball-like head rolls out and comes
up behind them.
WMD-4
Halt, non-Mantellites. Identify
yourselves.
They turn around.
LUKE
I'm Luke Skywalker and this is
Han Solo. We're the delegation from
the Rebel Alliance.
HAN
Yeah, your President was supposed
to meet us.
The droid's little arm touches his ear socket as if he's listening to
something.
WMD-4
Affirmative.
WMD-4's head turns red and starts to flash. His four arms shoot out
extending to the walls, blocking Luke and Han's path back to the ship.
HAN
Kid, get down!
Han grabs Luke and pulls him to flee the opposite way. The droid's head
EXPLODES. Luke and Han are flung to the dirt.
The hallway starts to collapse over them. They roll out of the way into
the clearing just as the roof comes crashing down. They look up to see
a squad of IMPERIAL STORMTROOPERS pointing their blasters at them.
EXT. MANTELL - SKY - DAY
The Rebel shuttle flies over the cities.
INT. SHUTTLE - DAY
Wedge and Chewie look at the computer readout screens.
WEDGE
What are you readin', Chewie?
Chewie starts barking wildly.
WEDGE
Calm down! What is it?
Wedge looks at the translation.
WEDGE
Imperial TIE fighters, Stormtrooper
battalions...
(shock registers)
Is this for real?
Massive ground blaster fire begins darting past the shuttle. The wing
gets clipped.
WEDGE
Whoa! Somebody made a mistake.
Wedge jerks the controls, spinning the shuttle around. Chewie keeps
howling.
EXT. MANTELL - SKY - DAY
The shuttle blazes at full speed back toward the Falcon. Blaster bolts
zip past it. An ELECTRO CANNON commandeered by the Empire opens fire
and strikes the shuttle's rear main engine.
INT. SHUTTLE - DAY
WEDGE
We've been hit bad. We're going
down!
Chewie wildly slaps different controls.
EXT. EROM - LANDING AREA - CLEARING - DAY
Luke and Han slowly rise to face their captors. They lift up their
hands a little. A stormtrooper sergeant on a speederbike speeds up to
the situation.
SERGEANT
Get your hands up. You two are
under arrest.
HAN
For what?
SERGEANT
(to other troopers)
Take them away.
LUKE
(quietly)
Han, I've been practicing.
HAN
Practicing what?
LUKE
This!
Luke whips out his LIGHTSABER and with a HISS ignites its blue-green
glowing blade.
LUKE
Take cover!
Han jumps behind rubble from the archway. Luke swings his saber and
successfully cuts down two troopers. He then blocks a blaster shot.
HAN
Wow, kid.
Han pulls out his DL-44 Blaster and blasts away at the troopers
knocking out a pair. The others return fire, hitting all around Han as
he ducks behind the boulders.
Luke deflects another bolt, but then the Sergeant takes aim and the
young Jedi isn't fast enough. His laserbolt ZAPS Luke on the leg. He
screams out and drops the saber. He hits the ground, the saber rolling
away.
HAN
Luke!
LUKE
(in obvious pain)
Oww. I'm alright!
The Sergeant revs up his speederbike. Then he looks behind him and
waves to a large Imperial SAV (Surface Annihilation Vehicle).
The SAV is a tank-like vehicle manned with six troopers, heavy armor
and heavy weaponry. It floats slowly toward them on its anti-gravity
boosters.
Luke reaches out toward his lightsaber. He concentrates hard. At first
it doesn't move, then it spins around a little.
HAN
What are you doin'?
The last stormtrooper runs toward Luke. Han blasts the trooper flinging
him backwards over a piece of rubble.
Luke tries again to pull his saber through the force, but gives up. The
thing ain't movin'.
Han sees his chance. With the Sergeant momentarily distracted with the
SAV, Han charges and dives into him throwing them both to the ground.
They roll around in a struggle. Han pulls up his gun to blast the
Sergeant, then suddenly BOOM. The SAV has fired its massive cannon in
their direction creating a big crater in the ground.
Han is flung backwards. As he looks up, the Sergeant's leg lands on his
chest. He brushes it off.
HAN
Kid, we're leavin'. Now! Get up.
LUKE
What about Wedge and Chewie?
HAN
We'll figure that out later.
Han jumps onto the speeder and maneuvers it toward Luke. Luke finally
just picks up his saber with his hand and staggers on behind Han. They
take off toward the Falcon just as another BOOM from the SAV explodes
behind them.
EXT. MANTELL - SKY - DAY
The shuttle continues its trek, staggering through the air amid laser
bolts exploding around it. Smoke fumes pour out the back.
INT. SHUTTLE - DAY
The cockpit is chaos. Lights are flashing. Machinery is on fire.
WEDGE
Chewie, we're gonna have to bail
out!
Chewie howls in agreement.
WEDGE
Hit the eject switch. I think I
see the Falcon's landing platform
ahead.
Chewie hits some switches. The canopy above them flies off. Chewie lets
out a wail and then presses one more button.
POOF. The two of them jettison out into the sky. Their double-seat is
attached together.
EXT. EROM - LANDING AREA - DAY
Han and Luke ride the speeder up over all the debris from the droid's
explosion. Luke looks up at the sky.
LUKE
(points)
Hey, it's them!
They see the speeder floundering through the sky heading in their
general direction.
HAN
Get ready to pick 'em up while I
fire up the ship.
Han and Luke reach the Falcon. As they get off the speeder they look to
see the shuttle hurtling toward them at high speed.
LUKE
They're going way too fast.
The shuttle gets closer and closer.
HAN
Look out!
They get down as the shuttle finally crashes into a nearby building.
It's smashed to a million pieces.
LUKE
Oh no...
Han is speechless at first. He then gathers composure. Another huge
blast from the SAV helps. It's plowing its way through the passageway
rubble.
HAN
Just get on board.
The Falcon's ramp lowers and they scamper on board.
INT. MILLENNIUM FALCON - COCKPIT - DAY
Luke and Han fly into their seats. Luke slaps the console communicator.
LUKE
Chewie, Chewie. Come in! Wedge, do
you read?
EXT. MANTELL - SKY - DAY
Wedge and Chewie finish their ascent after the ejection, then start to
free fall. Wedge's comlink beeps.
He rips out the comlink, but it slips out of his hands. At that moment,
the seat parachute opens yanking them a bit, halting their rapid
descent. The comlink falls all the way to the ground.
WEDGE
Blast!
Chewie roars.
WEDGE
At least the chute works.
They float over the city. More blaster shots fire at them.
WEDGE
They're relentless!
They coast down into an area with densely-packed old buildings.
INT. MILLENNIUM FALCON - COCKPIT - DAY
Han fires up the engines. Luke continues calling.
LUKE
Come in, Chewie! This is the
Falcon.
HAN
We're takin' off. Hold on.
EXT. EROM - LANDING PLATFORM - DAY
The Falcon lifts up, turns around, and blasts off.
INT. MILLENNIUM FALCON - COCKPIT - DAY
LUKE
Maybe we can look for them..if they
made it out.
HAN
(looks at scanners)
We got TIE fighters comin' now.
(looks at Luke)
You know I wanna look too but they
have us outnumbered a million
to one.
EXT. MANTELL - SKY - DAY
The ship blasts over the cities up into the atmosphere. Three TIE
fighters are seen rising up in the distance behind them.
EXT. MANTELL - SKY - DAY
The laserbolts become more distant as Wedge and Chewie drift down into
the city's dilapidated district. They try to steer their chute away
from obstacles but eventually smack into the side of a building.
WEDGE
Ah!
Chewie growls in pain. They slide down the side and finally hit the
ground. They lie there still strapped in their seat, moaning.
WEDGE
Ugh...y'all right, Chewie?
Chewie moans an affirmative.
WEDGE
What else can go wrong today?
On that note, five stormtroopers with blasters ready run up and
surround them.
TROOPER
Freeze.
WEDGE
Ugh...
TROOPER
(to another trooper)
Take these to torture chamber
seven.
Wedge and Chewie look at each other in fright.
As the troopers close in on the downed duo, a sudden round of BLASTER
FIRE from different directions blows away all five stormtroopers.
A door opens up in the building and a shabbily dressed guerilla warrior
soldier comes out. His old uniform is green, red, and sleeveless. He
looks around and then quickly waves behind him.
Two more warriors come out and grab Wedge and Chewie's seat. They haul
them into the building and shut the door.
EXT. SPACE - MANTELL
The Falcon races away from the planet with seven TIE fighters in
pursuit firing their green laserbolts.
INT. MILLENNIUM FALCON - COCKPIT
FLASHES of light from the TIE fighters' bolts fill the main viewport.
HAN
We got half the Imperial fleet on
our tail, kid. There's no going
back now. Go check the hyperdrive
motivator.
Luke hesitates. He's gazing out the viewport.
HAN
Luke, go!
Luke jumps up and runs out of the cockpit. Han flips some switches and
then, after making sure Luke is gone, wipes a tear away from his eye.
HAN
Stand by!
Han pulls the hyperspace lever. The stars in the window become streaks
as the pirateship makes the jump to lightspeed.
EXT. SPACE
The Millennium Falcon zooms into infinity in less than a second.
EXT. DEEP SPACE
The Imperial wolf pack of Star Destroyers, headed by the Executor,
stalks through space.
Four different beat-up, weathered spaceships maneuver into the
underbelly of the giant ship and dock inside.
INT. EXECUTOR - DOCKING BAY
The four BOUNTY HUNTER ships' ramp lower. From the first comes the
deadly droid IG-88. From the second comes the twin hunter droids 3-LOM
and 4-LOM.
From the third comes the weird-looking alien ZUCKUSS and the fearsome
DENGAR. From the fourth comes the cat-like creature BOSSK.
Darth Vader himself is there to meet them. The six battered warriors
line up. Vader walks along the line like a General sizing up his
troops. He stops.
VADER
Your promptness in responding to
this mission is admirable. Follow
me.
He leads them out.
INT. EXECUTOR - VADER'S QUARTERS
The bounty hunters are lined up ready to listen.
VADER
There will be a sizeable reward for
the one who can find the rebel
pilot who destroyed the Death Star.
He must be brought back alive.
Providing even the pilot's name
will bring you a comparable amount.
Vader's heavy metallic breathing punctuates a pause.
VADER
Discretion is of paramount
importance. If the information you
gather is disclosed to anyone other
than me...you will suffer greatly.
Bossk sucks in some saliva.
EXT. SPACE
The main Rebel Alliance starfleet follows course near the edge of the
galaxy. The large cruiser HEADQUARTERS FRIGATE leads the way.
The Millennium Falcon pops out of hyperspace and moves up to dock with
the main cruiser.
INT. HEADQUARTERS FRIGATE - HAN'S QUARTERS
The door is open. Han moves around some junk in his room, as if he's
cleaning it. He then rubs his head like he has a headache. PRINCESS
LEIA comes by and knocks on the open door.
HAN
(unexcited)
Yeah.
She looks at him with genuine care and concern.
LEIA
Hey. I heard you were back.
HAN
Yeah, we're back. At least Luke and
I.
LEIA
I'm so sorry, Han.
She moves to give him a hug. He lets her, but it is somewhat awkward.
Luke, with bandaged leg, limps up to the door and sees them but doesn't
say anything.
They finish the hug. She looks in his eyes trying to find some trace of
emotion. He smiles.
HAN
'ts all right. Thanks.
(sees Luke)
Hey, kid. How's the leg?
LUKE
It's healing up.
Leia turns to him and smiles.
LEIA
Welcome back, Luke.
LUKE
Thank you, Princess.
LEIA
You know you can call me Leia.
LUKE
I know.
LEIA
Well, come on you two. We have a
meeting.
INT. HEADQUARTERS FRIGATE - CORRIDOR
A golden protocol droid and his squat companion amble along toward the
Main Conference Room.
THREEPIO
I can't believe you made us late
again!
ARTOO-DETOO beeps electronic noises.
THREEPIO
Of course it's your fault! You've
known about this meeting for days
and still you had to flush the
valve-exhaust vents right before
it. Oh dear, the General will
surely have us scrapped this time.
Artoo whistles and beeps.
THREEPIO
Shhh. Be quiet! We're here.
They enter the Conference Room.
INT. HEADQUARTERS FRIGATE - MAIN CONFERENCE ROOM
Several readout stations and computers circle the room. Droids,
soldiers and other personnel work in the background.
GENERAL JAN DODONNA, COLONEL RIEEKAN, Princess Leia, Han, Luke, and
several other officers gather around a projector device. See-Threepio
and Artoo scuttle up as they are talking.
RIEEKAN
Good and bad news from the Mon
Calamari. They were able to defeat
an Imperial force near the Rishi
Maze, but they lost two
battleships. The Empire's numbers
alone are threatening to overwhelm
us.
DODONNA
We cannot continue engaging the
Empire in large open confrontations.
RIEEKAN
Any leads on a new planet for the
Rebel base, General?
DODONNA
Any system we've considered has
been discovered by the Empire. We
simply must find someplace remote
and distant from any Imperial
influence.
(turns his attention to Leia)
Princess, report of the mission to
Mantell.
LEIA
General, it's not what we hoped.
Captain Solo can report.
Luke turns his head. He looks miffed.
HAN
Well, the Imps chased us off. What
more is there to report?
DODONNA
I heard about your loss, Captain.
I'm sorry.
Han looks down, squares his jaw.
DODONNA
Does this new planet offer any
hope for a Rebel base?
HAN
Not likely. The reason we're
back so soon is because the Empire
has taken it over.
There is a collective sigh in the room. Spirits are down.
LEIA
Perhaps it's my mistake. Our
intelligence reports said the
planet was free and willing to join
the Alliance.
LUKE
Sir, if I may.
They all look at Luke.
LUKE
I...I can't explain it completely.
But I think there might still be a
chance for Mantell.
DODONNA
(smiles)
Well, I for one have learned not to
ignore your feelings, Luke. We'll
talk more later. Back to your
duties, gentlemen.
(looks at Leia)
And lady.
They disperse.
EXT. SPACE
The aged Bounty Hunter vessel SLAVE I rockets through space past a
yellow star.
INT. SLAVE I - COCKPIT
The bounty hunter and veteran of the Clone War era, BOBA FETT, is at
the helm. His Nikto sidekick, MONTROSS, looks at some instruments.
MONTROSS
So, Boba, Solo's really got it
coming, huh?
Fett, who speaks only when necessary, is silent.
MONTROSS
He really ripped off Jabba, didn't
he?
Boba is again silent.
MONTROSS
He thinks he can just mosey off and
get it away with it, dudn't he?
Montross takes a swig from his intergalactic whisky mug.
MONTROSS
Man, that bounty on Solo is
sky-high these days. You know...
BOBA FETT
(interrupting)
What's our position?
MONTROSS
(looks back at readout)
Uh...lemme see. Sector three-seven-
four. Dantooine system.
Boba turns the controls, aiming the ship toward the planet, DANTOOINE.
A small SPACE OUTPOST comes into view through the viewport.
MONTROSS
What are we stoppin' here for? We
got gas back in the outer rim
didn't we?
BOBA FETT
We're meeting a contact. Perhaps
you'll learn something.
MONTROSS
Oh...cool.
EXT. SPACE - DANTOOINE SYSTEM
The Slave I pulls up to one of the outpost's docking ports.
INT. SPACE OUTPOST
The dingy outpost looks like a cross between an airport, restaurant,
and garage. A few aliens lounge around. Fett and Montross walk toward
an enclosed room.
MONTROSS
Private room, huh Boba?
BOBA FETT
Wait outside.
Boba goes in. The door slides shut. Montross stands guard outside.
INT. SPACE OUTPOST - PRIVATE ROOM
The bounty hunter 3-LOM sits at a small round table.
BOBA FETT
You got the info?
3-LOM
You got the money? One hundred
thousand. Remember, up front, Boba.
Fett pulls out the credits and puts them on the table. 3-LOM scoops
them up.
3-LOM
Solo's in with the Alliance. He's
been working for them for awhile
now.
BOBA FETT
Doing what?
3-LOM
I don't know. Piloting, whatever.
BOBA FETT
Thanks. Where's your brother,
4-LOM? You're always a team right?
3-LOM
He's on another system. We had a
bit of a falling out over a current
job.
BOBA FETT
Too bad. What job?
3-LOM
I have to leave now.
3-LOM, a little nervous, gets up from the table.
BOBA FETT
I've never seen you in such a
hurry.
3-LOM shuffles toward the door. Fett blocks him.
BOBA FETT
Come on, ol' buddy. You can at
least tell me who you're working
for.
3-LOM
It's for the big man. I can't say
anymore.
BOBA FETT
The big man, huh? Tell me about the
mission.
3-LOM
No way.
3-LOM tries to pry open the door behind Fett. Fett grabs his arm and
twists it behind his back.
INT. SPACE OUTPOST
Montross dutifully stands at his post. He hears a noise and tries to
listen through the door. A short server-droid wheels up to him, holding
out a drink on a mechanical arm.
MONTROSS
I don't drink on duty.
(hiccup)
INT. SPACE OUTPOST - PRIVATE ROOM
Fett has 3-LOM pinned against the wall.
BOBA FETT
Come on. What's a favor for an old
friend, Lom?
3-LOM
I'd get in big trouble. You work
for Jabba anyway, right?
BOBA FETT
Don't change the subject.
(tightens his grip)
3-LOM
(in pain)
Hey! Tell you what. Since you're an
old friend, I'll sell you the info.
Fett loosens up.
3-LOM
I made a recording, right under
Lord Vader's nose-if he has one.
Fett backs off, gives 3-LOM some breathing room.
BOBA FETT
Show me.
3-LOM
Pay up first. One million credits.
Fett stands quiet for a second, and then pulls the money out of a
pocket.
3-LOM
You carry that much around?
BOBA FETT
A good bounty hunter shouldn't be
afraid.
He puts it on the table. 3-LOM scoops it up.
3-LOM
Do me a simple favor, Boba. Don't
let anyone know where you got this.
BOBA FETT
No problem, old buddy.
3-LOM hands him a small recording device shaped like a diamond. As Fett
looks at it, 3-LOM starts to leave.
BOBA FETT
Oh, one more thing, Lom.
3-LOM turns to see Fett pointing his blaster at him.
BLAST BLAST. 3-LOM falls dead.
Fett grabs all his credits back from the carcass.
EXT. DEEP SPACE
The Rebel Fleet cruises along.
INT. HEADQUARTERS FRIGATE - CONTROL ROOM
General Dodonna and an aide examine star maps. Nearby, Threepio fiddles
with some switches.
Two controllers man a communications station. STATIC and faint VOICES
come through.
CONTROLLER
(excited)
General, we're picking up
something.
Dodonna goes over to the station.
CONTROLLER
Sir, it's from Mantell! They're
calling us.
MAN(VO)
(through static)
Come in, Alliance vessel, come in.
CONTROLLER
We read you.
Threepio goes over.
MAN(VO)
Come back and help us. We have your
human and wookie. They are alive.
Chewie's WHINE is faintly heard over the system.
THREEPIO
My goodness.
MAN(VO)
Please, come back to Mantell. Out.
(static)
DODONNA
(to aide)
Get Captain Solo and the Princess,
immediately. And Luke too. Call a
meeting.
AIDE
Yes, sir.
(runs off)
LATER, in the same room, Han, Luke, Leia, Dodonna, Rieekan, and the
droids are gathered. The call is played again. Han and Luke hang on
every word.
At the sound of Chewie's whine, Han lets out a deep breath and kneels
down, being careful not to show too much emotion.
LEIA
Whoa! Is this for real?
LUKE
Wow!
Han gets up. Leia hugs him. He hugs back happily this time and then
finally smiles big.
HAN
(shouts)
You old fuzzball! I knew you'd make
it!
Luke starts to give Leia a hug, but she doesn't notice and turns back
toward the communicator.
RIEEKAN
We should be careful. The Imperials
have tried tricks like this before.
THREEPIO
Sir, I believe that channel is not
used by the Empire.
HAN
That's Chewie's whine. I'd know it
anywhere. So, General, how fast can
we go back?
DODONNA
It certainly appears appropriate to
celebrate, but we must proceed with
caution. You yourself said the
Empire is dominating the planet.
HAN
Aw, always a downer, aren't ya?
That's not a problem. We can handle
it.
LUKE
(with youthful zeal)
We can go back undercover.
HAN
See, the kid's got the idea.
LEIA
General, I believe this could work.
Dodonna's face is lightening up.
DODONNA
You really want that planet, don't
you, Princess?
LEIA
It is vitally important as a
strategic location. Even Mon Mothma
agrees. And I think I'll go too
just to make sure it's done right
this time.
Luke smiles.
HAN
Hey, the more the merrier!
Artoo rolls up and beeps affirmatively.
EXT. SPACE - MANTELL
An Imperial Star Destroyer patrols the orbit of Mantell.
EXT. EROM - NIGHT
Lights in the city are dim. Small squads of stormtroopers march through
the streets. Imperial speeders zip about here and there. A few groups
of soldiers wearing BLACK and GRAY UNIFORMS with BLACK HELMETS also
move about.
INT. EROM - OLD BUILDING - NIGHT
Wedge and Chewbacca recline on what appears to be an ancient couch.
Dust floats off of it. They eat some kind of soup.
WEDGE
This isn't bad, Chewie. What do you
think?
Chewie whines and throws the bowl across the room.
Two of the guerilla warriors who rescued them enter through a doorway.
CAPTAIN HERSCH is in charge. He is a scruffy 35 year-old with facial
stubble and wearing a green and red sleeveless uniform.
HERSCH
We believe we made contact with the
Alliance.
Wedge puts his soup down.
WEDGE
What did they say?
HERSCH
We're not able to receive messages
from such distant ships. We can
only send them out.
Chewie moans something.
HERSCH
Thank you for your assistance,
Chewbacca. We believe they are
coming. Now, come with us.
WEDGE
Where we going?
HERSCH
To learn more about us.
INT. EROM - OLD BUILDING - NIGHT
Hersch leads them into a connected building. They go upstairs to a room
overlooking a narrow alley. The windows are busted out.
HERSCH
Keep quiet for a moment.
He peeks out a window, then waves to a window on the other side of the
alley. LIEUTENANT DARREN returns the wave.
A black and gray soldier riding an MTS(Multi-Turret Speeder) passes
slowly through the alley. The speeder has two large blaster cannons on
its sides. A WMD-4 droid rolls beside him. A column of twelve
stormtroopers march behind them.
Hersch and the soldier with him pull out a small thermal detonator. The
troopers continue through the alley. Wedge watches with anticipation.
Finally, Hersch gives the signal. They heave the detonators out the
window. Lieutenant Darren and two other men do the same thing from
their windows.
The bombs EXPLODE, blowing away the bulk of the troops, the others
thrown into disarray. The speeder is knocked over. A few blaster shots
are fired off at the buildings.
Hersch darts off downstairs. Wedge and Chewie hurry to catch up. They
find Hersch throwing open a hatch on the floor.
INT. EROM - UNDERGROUND TUNNEL - NIGHT
Hersch, Darren, Wedge, and Chewie make their way through a dark, dank
underground corridor.
WEDGE
I take it you're some kind of
resistance movement.
HERSCH
Correct. The Empire arrived a week
before your expedition. We tried to
get a message out to you, but we
faced some...difficulties.
WEDGE
Understood.
HERSCH
After they crushed our pathetic
army, they took over everything.
They bombed our major cities.
Destroyed almost all our
communications.
WEDGE
So are you the remnants of the
army?
HERSCH
Mmmm. That's another story.
They come to an open area that looks like a makeshift hospital. Medics
tend to three men lying on cots. Hersch and Darren stop.
HERSCH
(to a medic)
How are they?
MEDIC
It doesn't look good. They were hit
hard.
WEDGE
By the Empire?
HERSCH
In this case, no. That's something
we need to talk about after we get
to the general. This way.
He motions to a side door and stairway heading up towards the ground.
Darren grabs some old overcoats and throws them to Wedge and Chewie.
Hersch and Darren put theirs on.
DARREN
Put these on. You'll look like
peasants.
Chewie moans.
DARREN
Tall peasants.
EXT. EROM - OLD BUILDING - NIGHT
The foursome emerges from an exit near the base of the building. Hersch
looks around. He nods to the other three. They move out, heads down.
Hersch and Darren grab big buckets of water to add to the disguise.
As they cross a street between buildings, three stormtroopers with
heavy-gear backpacks come around a corner.
HERSCH
(whispering)
Keep moving.
Chewie, in the rear, brushes the shoulder of the last trooper.
STORMTROOPER
Hey, watch it.
Wedge holds his breath. He grabs Chewie's arm to pull him along. The
troopers just keep going. Wedge breathes.
HERSCH
In here.
They finally make it into another building.
INT. EROM - OLD BUILDING - NIGHT
Hersch and Darren uncover a hidden elevator, onto which the four board.
INT. EROM - RESISTANCE HEADQUARTERS - NIGHT
The elevator door opens. Hersch and Darren throw off their overcoats.
HERSCH
It's too risky to tunnel to
this building for reasons too
complicated to explain at the
moment.
An older, slightly overweight man approaches. He has gray hair, yet
wears similar battle gear to the other guerilla soldiers. He has a
deep, warm voice.
CORBET
Give me some good news, Captain.
HERSCH
General Corbet, I present to you
...the Rebel Alliance.
Wedge and Chewie just stand there, a couple of rather sheepish
ambassadors.
WEDGE
Yes, the rebels--without any ships,
major weapons, or operational
equipment.
CORBET
Ah, but nevertheless you are here.
As far as I'm concerned, this is
the turning point.
Chewie growls in doubt.
EXT. SPACE
The Slave I flies through space.
INT. SLAVE I - COCKPIT
Boba is focused on piloting. Montross is worked up.
MONTROSS
That recording was killer, Boba.
Darth Vader himself. We need to
really take advantage of this.
BOBA FETT
That's the smartest thing you've
said on this mission.
MONTROSS
So, where we goin' now?
BOBA FETT
To the Rebel fleet, Montross.
MONTROSS
Huh? Ain't that kinda chancy?
BOBA FETT
We'll see.
EXT. SPACE
The Slave I stays on course.
INT. REBEL FLEET - HEADQUARTERS FRIGATE - STRATEGY ROOM
General Dodonna presides over a small gathering of rebel leaders. Han,
Luke, Leia, other officers, and the droids are present.
DODONNA
Your mission, for now, is to link
up with the Resistance, find
Lieutenant Antilles and Chewbacca,
and get them out of there. We can't
afford to fight an all-out battle
just yet.
(paces)
After our men are out, we'll decide
what to do with Mantell.
Understood?
The group, except for Leia, nods.
DODONNA
Go. And may the force be with you.
Han, Luke, and Leia get up. Other officers rush off to get things
prepared.
LEIA
I think we should take Threepio.
We might need an interpreter.
HAN
This is a rescue, not a
diplomatic mission, Princess.
LEIA
But still...
HAN
No way, honey. Goldenrod'll just
slow us down.
LEIA
Excuse me. You need to speak to
me with more respect.
Luke and a couple others take notice of the banter.
HAN
(rather amused)
Please forgive me, your
highness.
He gets up close to her. Looks her in the eyes.
HAN
No droids this time.
He walks out.
THREEPIO
I'm sure I would only hinder
such a dangerous mission, Princ...
She storms out, not happy. Artoo beeps.
THREEPIO
(to Artoo)
What do you mean, he's right?
INT. HEADQUARTERS FRIGATE - HANGAR BAY
Technicians ready an old, greenish-brown, TOW-Class freighter called
the RUMBLE TWELVE. Han and Luke approach the ramp.
HAN
We're takin' this? What about the
Falcon?
LUKE
We have to be disguised, remember?
Come on. It'll be alright.
Luke runs up the ramp.
HAN
(sigh)
I have a bad feeling about this.
He walks up the ramp.
EXT. REBEL FLEET - HEADQUARTERS FRIGATE
The hangar bay doors open, letting the RUMBLE out into space.
INT. RUMBLE TWELVE - COCKPIT
Han's at the helm. Luke's in the co-pilot seat. Leia's behind them.
HAN
At least this bucket can do light
speed.
Han pulls the hyperspace lever.
HAN
Here we go again.
EXT. SPACE - REBEL FLEET
The RUMBLE zooms into hyperspace.
INT. EROM - RESISTANCE HEADQUARTERS - NIGHT
General Corbet sits on his "throne", which is essentially an old comfy
chair. Officers and guards flank him. Wedge and Chewie sit on the floor
before him.
WEDGE
So, General, those wounded men we
saw in the tunnel were hit by the
'other' resistance?
CORBET
That's right, Lieutenant. They were
attacked by Mantell's traitor
faction, the EGU.
WEDGE
EGU?
HERSCH
Erom Guard Units.
CORBET
The EGUs were Mantell's regular
army, but when the Empire came
most of their coward officers
compromised without even a fight.
WEDGE
Weren't you hopelessly outnumbered?
CORBET
That is beside the point! Mantell
has a long, rich history of
independence. Of bravery. The
latest incarnation of the EGU was a
disgrace. Some joined the Imperial
ranks. Even the President was such
a stooge that the Empire had no use
for him. They executed him!
Chewie moans.
CORBET
Before the Empire came, we formed
our own Resistance movement to the
EGU. They had slowly begun to
exercise martial law. They were
becoming more and more corrupt and
incapable of governing. At one
time, many ords ago, I was one of
them until I finally decided to
leave.
Wedge attempts to take all this in.
CORBET
It's ironic, actually. The Empire
may be the best thing that's
happened to Mantell in awhile!
HERSCH
Don't say that too loud, sir.
CORBET
What do you think will happen if
someone hears, a revolution?
He laughs. Others join him. Then Corbet turns his attention back to
Wedge.
CORBET
We knew we could hold out until the
Alliance helped us. Now you are
here.
WEDGE
Well...
CORBET
How long before you can send the
fleet?
WEDGE
(looks at Chewie)
Uh...
HERSCH
Sir, they should know about...
CORBET
Yes, yes. Go ahead.
Wedge is relieved and intrigued.
HERSCH
Not all the EGUs are traitors.
There are several faithful
officers, some of which aid us
clandestinely. They have helped us
establish a secret outpost on our
moon. They have been making
attempts to unite us, if the
General can stand to be in their
presence.
CORBET
I suppose it could work, but I have
my suspicions. I could tell you
some stories...
HERSCH
(interrupting)
Sir, about the Alliance fleet...
CORBET
...Yes. Lieutenant Antilles,
Chewbacca, call in the cavalry!
WEDGE
General, Chewie and I don't exactly
have authority to do that.
CORBET
We are brave, but we can't last
forever. We're counting on the
Alliance's help. Didn't you destroy
the Emperor's Death Battle Station?
WEDGE
Well, yes. I was there.
Several men in the room gasp. They now have more admiration of Wedge.
Chewie yelps.
WEDGE
Chewie was there, too. Sir, you'll
have to talk to our superiors.
A young soldier, CORPORAL RIPY, comes up.
RIPY
Sir, our long range sensors are
detecting an unidentified ship
heading toward the Mantell system.
CORBET
That's them. It's settled. We'll
talk to them when they arrive.
EXT. SPACE - MANTELL SYSTEM
The Rumble boosts its way toward Mantell. Exterior lights on its hull
sputter.
INT. RUMBLE - COCKPIT
The planet and moon are visible through the viewport. Luke looks at a
scanner.
LUKE
Imperial Star Destroyer detected.
It's on the other side of the
planet. Good timing, Han.
HAN
Yeah, I'm an old pro, remember?
LEIA
Luke, don't boost his ego any more
than it needs.
HAN
Hey, I'll get us in and out.
Smooth-like.
EXT. MANTELL - SKY - DAY
The Rumble appears in the morning sky and descends toward Erom.
INT. RUMBLE - COCKPIT
HAN
One thing's for sure. After I get
Chewie back, this is my last
mission with this Rebellion.
Luke and Leia look at each other, both showing concern.
LEIA
But, Han...
ZAP ZAP. Green blaster bolts zip right past the cockpit.
LUKE
Whoa!
HAN
What the...?
Behind them, two TIE Fighters track them.
LEIA
Real smooth-like, huh, old pro?
HAN
Quiet.
EXT. MANTELL - SKY - DAY
The TIE's pull up alongside the Rumble, one on each side.
INT. RUMBLE - COCKPIT
LEIA
You gonna outrun them?
HAN
I can't go anywhere. They've got
small tractor beams locked on us.
LEIA
Well, this is just great.
EXT. MANTELL - SKY - DAY
The TIE's escort their captured ship down to a neighborhood of old
buildings. They find a secluded landing area just barely big enough for
the three of them. They set down.
INT. RUMBLE - COCKPIT
LEIA
Everybody stay cool. I'll handle
this.
She heads out of the cockpit.
HAN
Be my guest.
LUKE
Princess, be careful!
Luke goes after her.
EXT. EROM - LANDING AREA - DAY
The Rumble's rickety ramp lowers. Leia confidently descends. Luke
follows. They eye the TIE fighters, but see no enemy troops.
The first TIE's cockpit pops open, and out comes a shabbily dressed
guerilla soldier! He quickly descends a rope ladder to the ground and
runs up to Leia.
DARREN
Sorry we had to fire on you. It
added to the ruse.
LEIA
And you are...
DARREN
The Resistance. Come this way.
As they leave the scene, a small Imperial speeder flies overhead.
INT. OLD BUILDING - RESISTANCE HEADQUARTERS - DAY
The elevator doors open. Lieutenant Darren escorts the trio off and
into the base. They throw off overcoats.
Chewie yelps happily, runs up to Han, and squeezes him tight.
HAN
(almost suffocating)
Let me breath, pal!
Chewie eases up. Han rubs his head playfully.
HAN
Don't ever do that again, ar-right?
Chewie barks agreeably, then gives Luke and Leia a group hug. General
Corbet and Wedge come up, both smiling.
CORBET
What a beautiful reunion.
Leia pulls away from Chewie.
LEIA
I'm Princess Leia of the Rebel
Alliance.
CORBET
And I have been eagerly awaiting
your arrival.
INT. OLD BUILDING - RESISTANCE HEADQUARTERS - DAY
In Corbet's "Throne Room", the two groups face each other.
CORBET
We have much business to discuss.
LEIA
Yes, we do.
HAN
No, we don't. We got our people.
Now we're leaving, right?
LEIA
Leave this to me.
HAN
Leave what?
LEIA
General, we would like Mantell to
formally join the Alliance.
Han starts to protest the digression from their mission, but Luke grabs
his arm. Luke shakes his head and Han backs down.
CORBET bursts out laughing.
CORBET
We'd be happy to, Princess, but we
have no planet! The Empire is
running it, remember?
LEIA
I understand that, but...
CORBET
We will join on one condition.
Leia listens.
CORBET
You send your fleet and help us
get rid of those infernal
Imperials.
LEIA
We certainly will, General,
eventually. But...
CORBET
Not eventually. Now!
LEIA
We don't have the resources to act
immediately against the Empire in
this system. We're spread very
thin. We're here now to retrieve
our men.
Chewie howls.
LEIA
And wookie. This system is highly
important. For years the Empire has
used this route as a major
crossroads for weapons and
materials transport. Mantell is the
key to the whole sector. Your raw
materials are excellent for weapons
production. We believe they delayed
invasion only because of our
previous efforts to engage and
distract them.
CORBET
How can we possibly join you now?
It is a considerable commitment,
isn't it?
LEIA
You would commit resources, troops,
and materials to the overall war
effort.
CORBET
Those are things of which we have
none to spare.
LEIA
And you would provide refuge and
asylum for other rebel contacts. In
return, you get our guarantee of
as much fleet support as we can
send when necessary as well as
financial assistance. But most
importantly, you will have a
favored position in the future
re-establishment of the Republic.
Corbet listens and considers.
CORBET
Princess Leia, I have made
Mantell's position clear. You may
accept it, or take your people and
leave.
EXT. EROM - CITY STREETS - DAY
Besides a few peasants working for a living, columns of marching
stormtroopers are the only activity. Two EGU soldiers, with a WMD-4
droid nearby, consult with a stormtrooper commander.
EXT. EROM - SIDE STREET - DAY
In a secluded area, four Resistance warriors, including Hersch, Darren,
and two others escort the five rebels back toward the Rumble. Hersch
leads the way.
WEDGE
Where'd you get the TIE fighters?
DARREN
We hijacked them. Our pilots
deciphered their flight system.
They come in quite handy.
Lieutenant, why did you decide to
become a pilot?
WEDGE
My father was a pilot. His father
was a pilot. And his father was...
DARREN
A pilot?
WEDGE
Nope. But he was on the team that
invented the X-Wing fighter.
DARREN
X-Wings? We also have a few of
those.
Luke jumps into the conversation.
LUKE
You have X-Wings? Here?
DARREN
Actually not here. They are kept on
Ord Mantell in our secret hangar.
LUKE
Ord Mantell?
DARREN
That's our moon.
Darren pauses as the group rounds a corner near the landing area.
DARREN
We are disappointed to see you go.
We really thought you could help...
HERSCH
Quiet!
Hersch looks ahead toward the ships, which are now in sight. He motions
toward the group to proceed cautiously. He walks slowly. Darren goes up
to Hersch.
DARREN
(whisper)
What is it?
HERSCH
(not happy)
That's an Imperial Shock-speeder.
The group moves slowly into the open area in front of where the ships
are parked. Chewie accidentally knocks over a couple of barrels which
bang loudly on the ground.
At that sound, ten stormtroopers run out from the landing area.
TROOPER
It's the Resistance. Fire!
The troopers open fire with their red blasters. Zap Zap Zap.
The good guys pull out weapons and return fire. Blaster bolts zip all
around. Everybody dives for cover. One Resistance warrior gets hit and
goes down.
An EGU speeder comes out of nowhere. It's an MEV (Missile-Equipped
Vehicle). It has missile-launchers on either side. It fires its
missiles, missing the group but blowing a big chunk out of the wall
near them.
A couple stormtroopers go down from blaster shots. Luke tries his
lightsaber again. He deflects some bolts back and manages to send one
right into a stormtrooper.
HAN
You're gettin' better with that
thing, kid.
A laserbolt nicks Luke's hand and he drops the saber.
LUKE
Ouch! Ah, forget it.
He pulls out his pistol-blaster. Captain Hersch waves to the group.
HERSCH
We need to fall back!
Hersch attempts to find an escape route, but an SAV moves in and blocks
their path. It opens fire with its big cannon. BOOM. A Resistance
soldier is thrown flying into a wall.
Stormtroopers jump out of the SAV. The group is surrounded. The SAV
fires again. Hersch hits the dirt. The blast goes past them all and
strikes the Rumble. A big hole is blown in the engine and the ship
collapses to its side. Fire and smoke pour out.
LUKE
What are we gonna do now?
Suddenly, the SAV takes a blast from behind! It's disoriented for the
moment. The stormtroopers next to the SAV get mowed down by blue
blaster fire.
Two five-man speeders zoom past the SAV and pull up next to the group.
Corporal Ripy is at the driver seat of a speeder that has a swiveling
gun turret at its rear.
RIPY
(to Hersch)
Sir, they've discovered the
headquarters. It's under attack. We
have to relocate.
HERSCH
(to the group)
Everybody on board!
(to Ripy and the other driver)
Take us to the river.
RIPY
Yes, sir.
They start piling into the two speeders while the other stormtroopers
keep firing at them. Ripy uses his speeder turret to blast the MEV. The
driver flies off.
HAN
Chewie, you're with me this time!
Chewie howls in agreement. Han, Chewie, and Leia jump into Ripy's
speeder while Hersch, Luke, Darren and Wedge crowd into the other.
The speeders tear off down the alley. The SAV recovers and fires a shot
as they whip by. The blast blows big chunks out of an old building.
Dust and debris splash across the way.
RIPY
Hang on.
EXT. EROM - MAIN STREET - DAY
Ripy jerks the controls, swinging them around the corner onto a main
street. The speeder blazes through town at an incredible speed. Han,
Leia, and Chewie hold on for dear life.
Behind them, SAVs pound what's left of the Headquarters building. About
fifty stormtroopers raid the area. Several other evacuating speeders
join the escape causing Imperials on speeder bikes to take notice and
give chase.
Chewie howls something to Han.
HAN
It's okay, pal. You wouldn't
have liked that ship anyway.
LEIA
(to Ripy)
Where are we going?
RIPY
To our alternate base.
Red bolts shoot past them. They look back to see two speeder bikes
firing on them from behind.
Ripy steers them into a narrow side alley. The turn is too fast for a
speeder bike and it goes crashing into a building. The other races in
after them.
Peasants duck and hide as the two speeders zoom through their little
alley. Vegetable carts and flower pots are knocked over.
Ripy uses a pile of rubble as a ramp and takes the speeder up over the
buildings. The trooper tries to follow, but his bike slams into a
building throwing him thirty feet through the air into a garbage heap.
Ripy's speeder hits the ground, its antigravity boosters softening the
impact. It plows on course.
EXT. EROM - MAIN STREET - DAY
The other craft, with Hersch, Darren, Luke, and Wedge, speeds off away
from the scene. Another speeder from the evacuation gets blown to
pieces right next to them.
WEDGE
Whoa!
They race forward only to get stopped by an SAV roadblock.
TROOPER
Stop that speeder. Blast 'em!
HERSCH
(to the driver)
Go that way! That way!
He points in another direction. They back up. Blaster bolts flash
around them, a couple striking the back of the speeder.
They blast off in another direction. Fleeing people impede their
progress.
DARREN
Don't hit civilians!
Then they notice a squad of EGUs-wearing their black and gray uniforms-
manning a roadblock.
HERSCH
EGUs. Punch it.
The driver hits the controls and they go full speed ahead toward the
roadblock. The EGUs stand firm, firing their guns. The speeder stays
locked on course, heading straight for them.
The EGUs realize that it's not deviating off course and they start to
hit the dirt. The speeder blasts through them knocking out three and
speeding on down the road.
LUKE
That was wacky!
TIE Fighters swoop down and take shots at fleeing speeders. Big green
bolts come boring down on their position. Other speeders and Resistance
soldiers are destroyed.
HERSCH
(to driver)
Take the tunnel. Over there.
The driver turns the speeder down a side street. They roar through and
come to an underground sewage tunnel. The speeder slips into the tunnel
and accelerates toward the river.
INT. EROM - TUNNEL - DAY
HERSCH
Can you swim?
LUKE
Yeah.
WEDGE
Sure.
HERSCH
Get ready.
EXT. EROM - RIVER DELTA - DAY
The speeder emerges from the tunnel and heads straight toward the
river, which looms directly ahead.
WEDGE
Are we even stopping?
HERSCH
No time. Just swim toward the
lights.
The speeder plunges right into the water.
EXT. RIVER - UNDERWATER - DAY
The group floats out of the speeder into the murky depths. They see
bright, but muffled lights nearby. They swim with all their might.
EXT. EROM - SIDE STREETS - DAY
From Ripy's speeder, they can see the river approaching.
RIPY
Looks like we're in the clear.
We're almost there.
Then around the corner come two Imperial Shock-speeders. Deadly
electrical bolts fire and make a direct hit on the speeder. It staggers
and sputters and slides to a halt. Nobody's hurt.
Ripy jumps to the gun turret. He blows away one of the speeders. Han
and Chewie open fire on the other one. Ripy then turns the gun on the
other one. It retreats and races around the block.
RIPY
We're on foot from here.
EXT. EROM - RIVER DELTA
The group jumps over debris and rocks and heads down a grassy hill.
Nearby a flock of the large furry animals, NERFS, graze.
They come to a steep bank of rock overhanging the river. It's about a
thirty-foot drop. From trees overhead hang a long rope.
RIPY
Just follow me. The base is down
here.
Ripy grabs the rope, swings out over the river and plummets down into
its depths. The rest look at each other.
HAN
He's crazy.
LEIA
You're next, hotshot.
HAN
Me?
LEIA
Yeah, I thought you were the brave
one.
The shock-speeder comes roaring around the block. Han sees it, grabs
the rope, and swings out over the water and lets go. SPLASH. The rope
swings back to the others.
LEIA
Come on, Chewie.
Leia and Chewbacca grab the rope together. They swing just as the
speeder shoots through firing electrical bolts zapping the trees around
them. Leia and Chewie splash into the water.
INT. RIVER - UNDERWATER BASE
A few Resistance soldiers and the rebels huddle in the tiny secret
base. Leia is still shivering from the water. Han puts a blanket around
her. Luke notices.
General Corbet comes clambering in through the waterlock doors.
CORBET
Ugh...I hate swimming.
(yells)
Hersch!
Hersch is standing right next to him.
HERSCH
Yes, sir.
CORBET
Shoot me. This war's over.
Hersch frowns.
CORBET
No, wait. We still have a chance.
My dear Princess, now you have no
ship. And we have none to spare.
We all sure could use a fleet to
help us out, couldn't we?
LEIA
I can call in at least a
battlecruiser.
CORBET
That won't be enough! The Empire
can bring in a dozen of those
infernal star destroyers.
LEIA
General, give us a minute.
Corbet extends a hand in a gesture accepting her request. The five
rebels huddle around each other.
LEIA
(to the group)
What do you think?
WEDGE
Why shouldn't the Alliance help out
right away? They can leave current
engagements. Shift assignments.
HAN
You've been itchin' for this planet
for a long time. Here's your
chance.
Leia thinks. She looks at Luke.
LEIA
Luke?
LUKE
Like I said, back at the fleet, I
think there's still hope for this
planet. Something tells me we
should fight for it.
HAN
Good enough for me.
Chewie growls. Leia nods decisively. She stands up. Corbet is sitting
on some old crates.
LEIA
Your men ready to fight?
Corbet jumps up, excited.
CORBET
Yes. Absolutely.
LEIA
I can call in a full battle group-
three battleships and two cruisers
with fighter squadrons. That's the
best I can do. If we win, you agree
to formally join the Alliance.
Pause.
CORBET
Deal.
Leia extends her hand to shake. Corbet grabs her in a big bear hug.
HAN
Oh, joy.
LEIA
Where's your communication booth?
HERSCH
We can't call from here.
LEIA
Why?
HERSCH
We have to take you to the moon,
Ord Mantell. That's the only way to
safely make a call out of the
system without the Empire knowing.
We have one spacefreighter that can
make trips to the moon and back
without much trouble from the
Imperials.
LEIA
Fine. Let's go. Han, Chewie, join
me.
LUKE
I want to come too.
LEIA
Why don't you and Wedge stay behind
in case anything happens down here.
LUKE
But...
LEIA
It won't take long.
They start getting gear together for the trip. As they do, Luke hears
an old familiar voice.
BEN(VO)
Luke, stay.
Luke is shaken. He looks up and around. He accepts the advice.
EXT. SPACE
The Slave I gets within sight of the Rebel Fleet.
INT. SLAVE I - COCKPIT
Fett and Montross faintly see the large Rebel ships in the distance.
Fett pushes some buttons. He then turns the steering controls to come
up underneath the fleet.
EXT. SPACE - REBEL FLEET
The Slave I maneuvers swiftly between the capital ships.
INT. HEADQUARTERS FRIGATE - CONTROL ROOM
A controller sees a blip on his radar screen.
CONTROLLER
(to a nearby officer)
Sir, it looks like a foreign
vessel.
The officer looks at the screen.
EXT. SPACE - REBEL FLEET
The Slave I pulls close to the underbelly of the Headquarters Frigate
and attaches itself to the hull.
INT. HEADQUARTERS FRIGATE - CORRIDOR
Threepio and Artoo pass through a hallway and hear a loud, low THUMP.
They stop.
THREEPIO
My dear, what was that?
Artoo beeps in reply.
THREEPIO
Sounds like another ship? Artoo,
how could another ship hit us out
here? Ridiculous. We're safe in
the middle of the Rebel Fleet.
INT. HEADQUARTERS FRIGATE - CONTROL ROOM
The blip on the screen disappears.
OFFICER
Whatever it was, it's gone.
Probably just an asteroid or space
junk.
INT. SLAVE I - COCKPIT
Fett pushes some buttons, producing some wavy lines on a little readout
screen.
MONTROSS
So, what are we gonna do here?
BOBA FETT
Listen.
MONTROSS
Okay, I'm listening.
BOBA FETT
Listen to them. I'm going to check
the attachment gear.
Fett leaves the cockpit. Static comes over the system. Montross takes a
swig from his mug.
EXT. MANTELL - RIVER DELTA - NIGHT
Ord Mantell shines in the night sky. Luke, Wedge, a Resistance soldier,
PRIVATE COLL, and his wife and child sit along the bank of the river.
They are mostly hidden by large rocks. Luke gazes at the moon.
JAYSON
Look, Mom. The Ord is bright
tonight!
The six-year old child's mother, MINA, has a hand on his shoulder.
LUKE
Ord. That's a strange word.
MINA
It's the ancient Mantellian word
for moon. Ord Mantell means "Moon
of Mantell."
COLL
(in hushed tone)
Major Skywalker, that moon has been
very important to us. The Imperials
have not discovered our secrets
there. They...
Lieutenant Darren approaches.
DARREN
Luke, Wedge, why don't you come on
patrol with us tonight?
WEDGE
Sure, why not?
LUKE
(gaze still fixed on moon)
Are they away?
DARREN
Yes. Hersch, Ripy, and some pilots
went with them.
LUKE
Pilots?
DARREN
If things go as we hope, we'll need
them.
Darren pulls out his rifle.
EXT. SPACE - MANTELL SYSTEM
The Resistance freighter blasts toward the moon.
INT. RESISTANCE FREIGHTER - COCKPIT
Corporal Ripy flies the ship. Hersch is in the co-pilot seat. Han,
Leia, and Chewie look on. Three Resistance pilots mill around in a room
behind the cockpit.
Through the viewport, they see a squadron of TIE fighters fly by in
formation. A Star Destroyer is seen in the distance.
RIPY
They think we're just moon-dust
harvesters. Tricks 'em every time.
EXT. ORD MANTELL - SEA OF YUELL
The "Sea" of Yuell is a vast sea of dust on the uninhabitable moon. The
freighter lowers down toward a space hatch. The hatch doors open
letting in the freighter and then close behind it.
INT. ORD MANTELL - BUNKER
The group makes its way though a dark, underground bunker. Supplies are
scattered around. Large amounts of weapons are piled up along the
hallways. Han sees them.
HAN
You guys have been preparing for
war for awhile now, huh?
HERSCH
This is our most secret location.
The Empire has never discovered it
because they've been too busy
subduing the planet to worry about
Ord Mantell. Here's the
communications area.
Hersch flips on a light switch illuminating a small section of what
appears to be a huge underground warehouse.
The pilots go to the wall and pull a lever. This lights up the hangar
containing six X-WING FIGHTERS.
HAN
Luke oughta get a load of this.
Chewie barks in agreement. The pilots start readying the ships. Hersch
blows dust off the communications equipment. He flips some levers
causing a flurry of red and blue lights to come on.
EXT. ORD MANTELL - SEA OF YUELL
Two small doors open underneath the moon dust. An antennae rises up and
extends its arms, pointing out into space.
INT. ORD MANTELL - BUNKER
LEIA
You don't have any guards posted
here?
HERSCH
Not enough men. Here, punch in your
coordinates and you're set.
He puts a hand on her shoulder.
HERSCH
May great mercies bless your call,
Princess.
EXT. SPACE - RAMYA SECTOR
A nebula silhouettes the Rebel starfleet.
INT. HEADQUARTERS FRIGATE - CONTROL ROOM
A controller is dutifully at his post when static and voices come over
the system.
LEIA(VO)
Home One, come in please. This is
Princess Leia.
CONTROLLER
(excited)
We read you, Princess!
(to an aide)
Go get General Dodonna!
The aide runs off.
INT. SLAVE I - COCKPIT
The bounty hunter ship remains stuck to the hull. Montross reclines
back in his chair, obviously bored at his job. Fett is still in the
back. Montross lifts his big mug up to his mouth for a slurp.
Over the sound system comes...
LEIA(VO)
Home one, this is Princess Leia,
come in please.
Montross spits his drink out and drops the mug.
MONTROSS
Boba, get in here quick!
INT. HEADQUARTERS FRIGATE - CONTROL ROOM
Dodonna and Rieekan rush in.
LEIA(VO)
Come in, Home One. I am authorizing
Emergency Command Code three-two-
seven.
Dodonna squints his eyes.
LEIA(VO)
Repeat, I am authorizing Emergency
Command Code three-two-seven.
Please send Battle Group Four to
the Mantell system.
INT. SLAVE I - COCKPIT
Boba and Montross pore over the speaker.
LEIA(VO)
Repeat, please send Battle Group
Four to the Mantell system.
HAN(VO)
Yeah, and don't let anyone fly the
Falcon without my permission.
Bring it to the moon first, if
we're still here.
INT. HEADQUARTERS FRIGATE - CONTROL ROOM
DODONNA
(sigh)
I told her not to do this...
LEIA(VO)
Leia, out.
Dodonna puts his hand to his head.
RIEEKAN
Maybe war has already broken out.
DODONNA
Well, if a group's going, I might
as well oversee it. You're in
charge for now, Colonel.
RIEEKAN
Yes, sir.
INT. SLAVE I - COCKPIT
BOBA FETT
Solo.
Fett seethes in his satisfaction. He grabs the controls.
EXT. SPACE - HEADQUARTERS FRIGATE
The Slave I detaches from the large ship and fires its boosters. It
moves out to a clear spot and shoots into hyperspace.
EXT. EROM - STREETS - NIGHT
Back in the city outskirts, Darren leads Luke and Wedge through a dark
alley. They hear BLASTER FIRE. Darren runs around a corner toward it.
Luke and Wedge follow.
They come upon some Resistance troops in one building firing at some
EGUs in a building opposite them. An EGU officer sees Darren and raises
his arm, which has an ORANGE CIRCLE on it.
DARREN
Hold your fire! Put your guns
away!
To their amazement, he runs out into the middle of the street in
between them and raises his hand.
The EGU officer, MAJOR TARG, comes out and faces Darren. They salute
each other, and then clasp hands. Luke and Wedge go over to them.
TARG
I would have fired on me too.
Darren smiles. The Resistance troops cautiously come out of their spot.
They still seem distrustful.
DARREN
(motioning to the EGUs)
Not all of them are the enemy,
believe it or not.
The Resistance troops face Targ. One of them, SERGEANT JOTTS, spits at
him and walks off. Darren does not rebuke him. Another one walks off,
but the last one, PRIVATE RANSON, stays.
DARREN
I have some men here you will
want to talk to.
TARG
First, let's get to Ezis. Erom
isn't safe anymore.
INT. EZIS - EGU BUNKER - NIGHT
The five of them sit around a small table in a secret bunker. One lone
light hangs above them. Guards are at the entrance. In the corner of
the room is parked an MEV speeder.
TARG
Luke Skywalker. That name sounds
so familiar.
LUKE
Really?
TARG
I think my father knew your
father. Yes, that's it.
Luke practically leaps forward in his chair.
LUKE
What did he tell you about him?
TARG
Not too much. Only that he was
an incredible pilot.
DARREN
(to Luke and Wedge)
Both of you should realize that
Mantellites, and especially the
EGU, tend to idolize
pilots-especially fighter
pilots. They are planetary
heroes.
TARG
Have you fought in any major
battles against the Empire?
LUKE
Mainly just the battle of Yavin.
TARG
Yavin. Yes.
WEDGE
'Just the battle of Yavin'? Sir,
Luke here is the hotshot who
destroyed the Death Star!
Targ goes silent. The guards at the door turn, kneel down, and give a
special salute to Luke. Private Ranson kneels also. To Luke's surprise,
Targ does the same thing.
LUKE
(can't help but smile)
Please. Wedge helped out too!
TARG
You are the one we are waiting
for. If our men knew about you
and that you are here...
DARREN
A unified front is right around
the corner.
TARG
We will call a gathering. Luke,
you must speak to the men. They
will rally around you.
Luke is a bit unsure.
LUKE
Uh...
DARREN
A gathering of...both?
TARG
It cannot be avoided forever.
The time has come.
Darren nods in agreement.
TARG
We'll have it early tomorrow
morning in the East Industrial
Warehouse. The Imperials will
think we are simply workers
going to work. Yes. Spread the
word.
Luke seems nervous.
TARG
You're not afraid, are you?
LUKE
(feigning courage)
Of course not.
DARREN
(to Luke and Wedge)
You two, get some rest tonight.
EXT. SPACE - MANTELL SYSTEM
The Slave I pops out of hyperspace. It zooms past Ord Mantell and heads
toward the planet.
INT. SLAVE I - COCKPIT
MONTROSS
Hey, I thought we were going to
the moon?
BOBA FETT
Ready for your first lone
mission?
MONTROSS
Uh...I guess.
BOBA FETT
I'm going to drop you off on the
planet. Solo may have already
gone back. See what you can find
out. Try to find the Resistance
movement. It's been brewing on
Mantell for some time. Doubtless
the Alliance has hooked up with
them. I'll check the moon myself.
MONTROSS
Kay...
EXT. EROM - NIGHT
Under cover of night, the Slave I drops down over the city. Ord Mantell
gleams high in the sky.
INT. EZIS - EGU BUNKER - NIGHT
Luke, wearing a tank top, lies on a cot. Wedge is on one next to him.
The bright, gleaming moon shines through a window. Luke stares at it
for a moment, then drifts asleep.
EXT. SWAMP
Luke finds himself in a dark, misty place. He does not know where he
is. He steps in mud. A small lizard-like creature crawls up a tree near
him.
Luke walks along, his eyes unable to penetrate the mist. Behind him, he
hears heavy metallic breathing.
He turns to see a red beam of light flare up. It is an enemy
lightsaber. A large figure in black armor emerges from the mist. Luke
is dumbstruck. He simply gazes at it.
The red saber swings at Luke! He cowers down out of the way. It swings
again but misses.
Luke stands and ignites his blue lightsaber. The red saber swings at
him, but Luke backs off. The red blade strikes a small tree cutting it
down.
Luke then stands firm, holding his saber in a defensive position. The
dark figure swings his weapon hard at Luke and connects with Luke's
saber, but the blue saber is knocked out of Luke's hands and is flung
into the mud.
Luke cowers down. The figure comes toward him, looming like a huge dark
ghost. Luke finally turns and runs away...
INT. EZIS - EGU BUNKER - NIGHT
Luke quickly sits up in his cot, breathing heavily. The moon still
shines, though now in a different position in the sky. Wedge sleeps
soundly.
Luke rubs his forehead, then looks up.
LUKE
I won't be afraid again.
EXT. EZIS - STREETS - DAY
The sun rises over Erom's twin city. Dozens of men in factory worker
outfits walk the streets under the watchful gaze of stormtroopers.
One man is stopped by stormtroopers and searched. A trooper roughly
grabs his arm and pulls a blaster out of the man's coat.
TROOPER
He is with the Resistance. Take
him.
The man tears loose and sprints down the street.
The troop pulls up his blaster, takes aim, and fires. The shot nails
the man in the back, bringing him down. Other "workers" in the street
move quicker toward their destination.
TROOPER
Let him lie there as an example.
Around a corner, Montross pokes his nose out. He looks around, sees the
dead man. He waits for his chance. Some of the stormtroopers move on.
Montross nonchalantly but swiftly goes over and pulls the dead body
into a building.
INT. EZIS - EAST INDUSTRIAL WAREHOUSE - DAY
Men enter the warehouse. Resistance and a few EGU keep watch. Machines
in the factory come on. A few workers stay with the machines while the
majority go into a large back room.
EXT. EZIS - STREETS
Montross emerges from a building wearing the dead man's worker outfit.
He wanders around, head down but eyes up. He finds a hat in the garbage
and puts it on.
Private Coll, in his worker outfit, comes up to Montross.
COLL
(quietly)
Hey.
MONTROSS
Hm?
COLL
You going to the meeting?
MONTROSS
No. Wait, the meeting? Yeah.
Yeah, I am. Where is it?
COLL
Follow me.
Coll and Montross head toward the factory.
INT. ORD MANTELL - BUNKER
Hersch, Han, Chewie, and Leia walk through a passageway heading back
toward the Resistance freighter. They come to a huge window overlooking
the moon. Mantell can also be seen. Han stops.
HAN
Go on without me, Captain.
HERSCH
What will you do?
HAN
Chewie and I'll wait here for
our ship.
Chewie confusedly whines.
LEIA
I'll wait too.
Hersch nods.
HERSCH
In that case I'll take a fighter
with the others. Mercy be with
you. See you in the battle.
Hersch runs off toward the hangar. Han stares out the window. Chewie
hears a sound and goes over to investigate, leaving Leia and Han alone.
LEIA
You okay?
HAN
Yeah, sure. Just thought I'd
stay and make sure the Falcon
gets into the right hands.
Leia stares out the window for a moment.
LEIA
What you said...about this being
your last mission... What
did you mean by that?
HAN
Eh, I don't know. I think I'll
stick around. You can't get rid
of me that easily.
Leia looks up into Han's eyes. Han looks at her...and then sees her
eyes go WIDE. POOF. From the dark passageway a cord suddenly wraps
around Han's body!
BOBA FETT
You're mine, Solo.
Leia gasps. Fett emerges from the darkness.
HAN
Hey!
(screams)
Chewie!
Chewie growls. He pulls up his bowcaster and opens fire. Fett dodges
the blasts and rockets up into the air, dragging Han behind him. Leia
dives behind some supplies and pulls out her gun. She fires some shots
which bounce off the window.
HAN
Watch the glass, sweetheart!
Fett lands and fires his wrist blaster at Chewie. Chewie ducks and
rolls behind a crate. A shot from Leia clips Fett's shoulder.
Fett turns toward her and fires his arm rocket. The little rocket
strikes the wall showering rocks and dust all over Leia.
Chewie howls and fires again. HIT! The blast strikes Fett's jetpack
turning it on. Fett flies straight toward the window and CRASHES
through!
The bounty hunter goes out into space pulling Han, still wrapped up,
behind him. The cord gets stuck on the broken glass, leaving Han
dangling inside with Fett floating outside. The outside vacuum starts
sucking everything out.
Dust, dirt, and supplies fly out the window, some hitting Fett. Han's
face gets covered with dirt. Leia emerges from her rubble and grabs on
to a protruding pipe. Han has trouble breathing.
HAN
Cut me...loose, pal!
Chewie, sliding across the floor, fires at the cord. His first shot
misses, but the second shot connects and slices Han loose. He slowly
falls to the floor, the outside suction slowing his descent.
Leia reaches up and presses a switch igniting the airlock force-field.
It lights up in YELLOW. All the flying equipment falls back to the
floor.
HAN
(in pain)
Ah...I say we scram, Chewie.
Leia runs over to help him up. She pulls off the cord. Fett fires a
couple shots at the forcefield, but they are absorbed into it. He
rockets off over the moon's surface. The trio takes off down the
passageway.
INT. ORD MANTELL - HANGAR AREA
The three of them make it back to the Resistance freighter. No one is
around.
HAN
Chewie, can you fly this thing?
Chewie barks something.
HAN
Well, you can figure it out.
They scamper up the ramp.
EXT. ORD MANTELL - SEA OF YUELL
The exterior space hatch opens, letting the freighter thruster out and
over the moon's surface.
INT. EZIS - EAST INDUSTRIAL WAREHOUSE - DAY
The meeting is gathered. About a hundred men are present. Two-thirds
are Resistance fighters and the rest EGU sympathizers. The EGU have
orange circles on their arms.
The two groups stand segregated from each other. They exchange a mix of
suspicious, mean, confused, and hopeful glances.
Darren, Targ, Luke, and Wedge stand near the front. Lieutenant Darren
walks up onto a podium. He looks out at the group.
DARREN
Men of Mantell. This day has
been long awaited by us and our
fathers.
Sergeant Jotts is in the crowd. He shouts out.
JOTTS
Get to the point!
DARREN
(raising voice)
Please, listen. Unity is
something for which we have
striven for ages. Only in unity
we will find freedom. Freedom
from the Empire. Freedom from
any totalitarian regime.
JOTTS
Yeah, those traitors on the
other side of the room have made
freedom rather difficult.
Others shout in agreement. Targ steps up on the podium.
TARG
We are here today because of the
fact that we are not traitors.
We have been faithful to the
true spirit of Mantell, as have
all of you fine, fine warriors.
The Resistance troops quiet down. Luke observes the scene playing out
before him. He looks over at Wedge.
Behind them in the back of the room, Private Coll and Montross enter.
Montross quickly surveys the surroundings.
TARG
Yes. Many of you know how we,
the faithful EGU, have aided you
and supported you. It is true
that most of our superiors are
corrupt. We are very, very
ashamed of the conduct of our
leaders.
JOTTS
So, what are you going to do
about it? We've been fighting
and dying everyday.
DARREN
Please, try to understand. This
is the only hope we have left.
JOTTS
You still have hope?
DARREN
That does not sound like a true
Mantellite soldier.
Jotts is actually taken aback by the statement.
DARREN
We believe that we have been
given a special sign that the
time for unification has come.
Luke?
He motions to Luke, who comes up onto the podium. Wedge is nervous for
him.
DARREN
This is Luke Skywalker. He,
along with Wedge Antilles are
officers in the Rebel Alliance.
They have offered to help us
defeat the Empire and in fact, a
rebel battle fleet is on its way
to Mantell as we speak.
A collective "whoa" rumbles through the crowd. The crowd starts
murmuring loudly. Montross quietly pulls out his comlink.
DARREN
Luke is also a young Jedi Knight.
Luke shoots a glance at him. Darren nods to Luke's lightsaber hanging
from his belt.
DARREN
And he is a fighter pilot.
Now a collective "ah" goes through the crowd.
DARREN
One more very important thing.
This man you see before you was
the pilot chosen by the force to
attack and destroy the Emperor's
mighty Death Star. He was there
and he fulfilled his duty.
Montross's jaw drops. He drops his comlink and then frantically picks
it back up.
The group is stunned silent. One by one, the men drop to their knees to
salute Luke. Private Jotts stays standing. After a moment, he speaks.
JOTTS
How can we know this for sure?
DARREN
Luke?
LUKE
Yes?
DARREN
Go ahead. Do something.
LUKE
Do something?
DARREN
Show your Jedi skills.
LUKE
Well, if there was ever a Jedi
code this will probably be
against it.
Luke steps up front and center. All attention is on him. Even Wedge is
on the edge of his seat. Luke closes his eyes and concentrates. He
holds his right arm straight out in front of him, his hand open.
After a moment, nothing happens. Jotts looks skeptical. Many are still
kneeling. Others stand up to get a better view.
Luke concentrates harder and harder. Darren and Targ gaze at Luke with
hope in their eyes. Luke's saber hanging from his belt begins to
twitch...
Then the Jedi weapon flies off his belt and into Luke's outstretched
hand and ignites! The men yell in delight. Luke smiles broadly.
LUKE
Men of Mantell, what I just did
is normally not proper for a
Jedi, but in order to foster
unity against the Empire I made
an exception in this case. I
urge you to unite with each
other and with us to throw off
the yoke of your conquerors.
Even Jotts is impressed.
TARG
Warriors, do you heed?
THE MEN
Yes!
JOTTS
What does old Corbet think?
DARREN
The General is with us.
Jotts nods.
DARREN
In fact, he is already planning
the battle!
JOTTS
Yes. I'm with you.
Wedge looks at Luke with admiration. Luke lets out a deep breath.
EXT. ORD MANTELL
The Resistance freighter skims across the moon's surface.
INT. RESISTANCE FREIGHTER
HAN
So far, so good. I think we lost
him. I just hope this thing can
break out of orbit.
Chewie moans loudly.
HAN
What's wrong now?
The ship is rocked by a blast from behind. The crew grabs on to their
seats.
EXT. ORD MANTELL
Just as the ship moves out of orbit, the Slave I comes screaming around
the moon furiously firing its laser cannons.
INT. RESISTANCE FREIGHTER
LEIA
Yeah, I think we lost him!
Han desperately tries to maneuver the ship, but without much success.
Red bolts flash all over the viewport. The ship lurches, buffeted by
the flak.
EXT. SPACE
The bounty hunter ship continues its volley. Its laserbolts rip apart
the freighter's starboard spacefin.
INT. RESISTANCE FREIGHTER
Chewie's howling.
HAN
This is bad.
INT. SLAVE I - COCKPIT
Fett has the limping freighter in his targeting sights. The cockpit's
emergency comlight starts FLASHING. He hits a button.
BOBA FETT
(impatient)
What is it?
MONTROSS(VO)
Boba, Boba! I found him!
BOBA FETT
I already got Solo.
INT. EZIS - EAST INDUSTRIAL WAREHOUSE - DAY
Montross is trying to stand inconspicuously in the corner. The soldiers
in the room are abuzz with excitement.
MONTROSS
No, not Solo! The guy who blew
up the Death Star. He's here!
BOBA FETT(VO)
Tell me his name. The name is
enough.
MONTROSS
Yeah. Um, it was Skyjumper. No,
Starkiller. No, wait...
Skywalker! That's it. Luke
Skywalker. He's with the
Resistance.
INT. SLAVE I - COCKPIT
Boba fires a few more shots at the freighter to keep it in line.
BOBA FETT
Skywalker? I know that name.
Suddenly, Fett's ship is rocked by a blast!
EXT. SPACE
Three X-Wing fighters swerve up in formation behind the Slave I. Their
laser cannons fire. The Slave I dips and dives to escape. Fett loses
sight of the freighter.
INT. X-WING FIGHTER - COCKPIT
Captain Hersch flies the starfighter. He gets Fett in his sights and
opens fire with a fresh volley.
EXT. SPACE
Hersch's laserbolts strike the Slave I's main blaster cannons, knocking
them out with a fine explosion.
INT. SLAVE I - COCKPIT
Fett is now agitated.
BOBA FETT
Sit tight, Montross. I'll be
back. The bounty on Skywalker is
bigger than the bounty on Solo.
Fett turns the controls completely around.
EXT. SPACE - MANTELL
The Slave I swerves off away from the planet and heads out of the
system. One X-Wing gives chase but the others turn away.
The Resistance freighter hobbles down toward the planet.
INT. EZIS - EAST INDUSTRIAL WAREHOUSE - DAY
MONTROSS
Boba, Boba?
Sergeant Jotts comes up and smacks the comlink away from Montross
sending it sliding across the floor.
JOTTS
What do you think you're doing,
fool? The Imps will detect that
in a nanosecond.
MONTROSS
Uh, I, uh...
JOTTS
Who are you? You're not one of
us.
Two others come up, PRIVATES STARM and GOMAR.
STARM
I thought he looked suspicious.
Montross is getting nervous. He raises his arm.
MONTROSS
Hail to the king!
JOTTS
The king?
GOMAR
This guy's a spy or something.
Montross tries to push past them toward the door, but they block his
path. Jotts spins him around and throws him to the ground. Jotts puts
his knee on Montross's chest.
JOTTS
Lieutenant!
At that moment, a series of explosions rock the warehouse. All the men
get down. Darren shouts.
DARREN
They've discovered the meeting!
Another explosion near Jotts and Montross sends them reeling. Part of
the wall collapses in. Montross brushes off rubble and crawls away.
At the front of the warehouse, stormtroopers are running in firing
blasters. Several men pull out weapons in defense.
Wedge un-holsters his gun. Luke is cautious, however, and doesn't pull
out a weapon. Major Targ raises his hands.
TARG
Stop, men! They have us
surrounded.
The soldiers lower their weapons while dozens of stormtroopers pour in
and haul them out.
EXT. EZIS - EAST INDUSTRIAL WAREHOUSE - DAY
Armed troopers escort the Resistance and EGU soldiers out onto the
streets next to the warehouse. A couple hundred stormtroopers have
descended on the area.
Six SAVs along with eight Imperial speederbikes complete the
encirclement. TIE fighters fly overhead.
The soldiers have arms raised and mean looks. Determination is in their
eyes despite their predicament. Luke, Wedge, Targ, and Darren stand
together.
WEDGE
(to Luke)
So...what's the plan, boss?
LUKE
To relax and not be afraid.
WEDGE
Sounds good.
Darren examines the sky and sees TIE fighters passing over. Then two of
the TIEs explode! The metal bits rain down on the crowd.
Five X-Wing fighters swoop down and pour a hail of fire on the enemy.
Stormtroopers are blasted and go flying in every direction. SAVs get
hit and are flipped over.
DARREN
(loudly)
Retrieve your weapons, men!
Defend your planet!
The men yell in excitement. They pull out every weapon they can find
and charge the stormtroopers. They tackle some of the speeder drivers
before they can take off.
Pandemonium breaks out as soldiers and troopers fire at each other and
engage in hand-to-hand combat. Some Resistance commandeer an SAV. They
use it to fire on troopers and the other SAVs.
INT. X-WING FIGHTER - COCKPIT - DAY
Corporal Ripy is at the controls of a fighter. He looks down and
surveys the unfolding battle.
EXT. EZIS - EAST INDUSTRIAL WAREHOUSE - DAY
Ripy and another fighter pass low over the battle scene and drop crates
to the ground. The crates bust open revealing hundreds of guns and
explosives. Resistance scramble to grab the supplies.
DARREN
We must contact the General.
TARG
Yes. Go for it. I'll take care
of my end. Good mercies.
Targ runs off in another direction.
DARREN
(to Luke and Wedge)
Let's find some speeders.
Luke pulls out both his pistol and lightsaber as the three run off down
a side street.
EXT. EROM - SKY - DAY
The Resistance freighter slowly sputters down toward land.
INT. RESISTANCE FREIGHTER - DAY
The crew see X-Wings and TIEs soaring by.
LEIA
Oh no. They've attacked
prematurely.
Han guides the ship over the buildings. It nicks the top of a building,
lurching the ship. It finally sets down.
HAN
Nice and smooth, Princess.
She runs out of the cockpit.
EXT. EROM - SIDE STREET - DAY
An Imperial speederbike zooms through a narrow street, followed by a
second bike. As the second one passes through a tiny intersection, a
lightsaber blade ignites in front of it.
The drivers' head gets hacked off and the speeder goes careening into a
building and crashes. Luke, Wedge, and Darren come out from the corner.
They hear an old voice.
CORBET
Excellent move, young Jedi. But
how in the world can we use that
speeder now?
General Corbet and five other armed men come out from a building on the
other side of the street.
DARREN
General, you should be in the
underwater bunker.
CORBET
I hate that place. It's always
so wet. Besides, you should know
I've been waiting for this
moment for the longest time.
TIE bombers fly over dropping their loads. Explosions erupt around the
group.
CORBET
In here. Call your Princess.
Tell her to meet us here.
He runs into a building. Everyone follows.
EXT. SPACE - MANTELL
The two Star Destroyers STORM and STRIFE patrol the planet's orbit.
INT. STORM - BRIDGE
CAPTAIN AROGEN of the Storm reclines in his command chair. LIEUTENANT
BRON approaches abruptly.
BRON
Captain, it appears open warfare
has broken out on the planet's
surface.
AROGEN
I'm sure our troops can handle
it.
BRON
Sir, they also appear to have
fighters and are attacking our
ships and installations.
AROGEN
Very well. Contact Admiral
Madine on the Star Destroyer
Strife and get his orders. I'll
let him make this decision.
(sigh)
Will these insolent rebels ever
quit?
INT. EROM - BUILDING - DAY
Corbet, Darren, Luke, Wedge, and other soldiers gather around a battle
map of the cities. Han, Leia, and Chewie arrive and join them. Luke
smiles when he sees them.
CORBET
What took you so long?
Chewie scowls at him.
LEIA
Apparently there's a war going
on already.
CORBET
Apparently. Is your fleet here
yet?
Leia looks at Han. Han looks at Chewie. Chewie shrugs.
CORBET
(intense)
If they do not get here soon we
will be wiped out!
LEIA
Any moment, General. I guarantee
it.
DARREN
Sir, have you heard? The
faithful EGU have joined us. We
are united.
CORBET
I heard something to that
effect. I'll believe it when I
see it.
Explosions are heard outside. The building shakes.
CORBET
To business. Darren, you're in
charge of the Tie-jackers. Go to
sector seven-three of Ezis and
hook up with Gomar. Call Hersch
and tell him to get out of that
stupid fighter. We need him to
command the troops on the west
side. Princess, want an
assignment?
LEIA
Definitely.
CORBET
You and your friends capture the
Empire's northern missile
installation. I just know they
will try to use those blasted
missiles to pummel us. They are
very long range.
HAN
Where is that?
CORBET
Up near the river. Sergeant
Smitts here and some others will
show you.
WEDGE
I want to go with the
Tie-jackers.
CORBET
Whatever you want. Just go.
HAN
(to Luke)
Hey, kid. Ready for some more
fun together?
LUKE
Always.
CORBET
Now get out of here. That's an
order.
EXT. SPACE - MANTELL
Two X-Wings head straight toward the Star Destroyer Storm. They fire a
few rounds and veer off.
INT. STORM - BRIDGE
Captain Arogen, standing, sees the fighters and smiles.
AROGEN
A couple snub-fighters is all
they can muster? I've had enough
of their pathetic suicide
missions.
In the large viewport behind him, three REBEL BATTLESHIPS and TWO
CRUISERS emerge out of hyperspace. Startled officers and men run to
their posts.
BRON
Sir, it's an enemy attack force!
Arogen turns around to behold the fleet.
AROGEN
Battlestations!
EXT. SPACE - MANTELL
The Alliance battle group spreads out in a fanned formation outflanking
the Star Destroyers. The cruisers' bay doors open letting out dozens of
X-Wing and Y-Wing fighters.
INT. BATTLESHIP COURAGE - BRIDGE
General Dodonna commands the lead ship in the group. See-Threepio works
at a communications station behind him.
DODONNA
Prepare coordinated fire on that
destroyer.
THREEPIO
I can't believe I got stuck in
another battle while Artoo was
left behind.
EXT. SPACE - MANTELL
The battleships COURAGE and VICTORY open fire on the Storm, causing
damage to its port engine side. The Storm's turbolasers come alive,
firing back.
INT. STRIFE - BRIDGE
Admiral Madine watches the attack on the Storm. He sees the other rebel
ships maneuvering to attack the Strife.
MADINE
Increase shields. Tell the Storm
to launch all fighters.
EXT. SPACE - MANTELL
Rebel fighters swarm all over both Star Destroyers, firing at will.
Little explosions erupt over the hulls.
The destroyers' bay doors open up. TIE fighter squadrons emerge, but
many TIEs are destroyed by rebel fighters before they can exit the bay.
Several TIEs make it out and engage in dog-fighting with the X and Y-
Wings.
INT. X-WING FIGHTER - COCKPIT
WES JANSON is the pilot.
JANSON
This is a turkey shoot, boys.
Dack, are you with me?
INT. X-WING FIGHTER - COCKPIT
DACK RALTER is his wingman.
DACK
Right behind you.
EXT. SPACE - MANTELL
Their two starfighters turn on their side to dodge shots from the
Storm, then fly around to the aft of the massive ship.
INT. COURAGE - BRIDGE
Dodonna examines the battle with gladness.
DODONNA
For once we have them surprised
and outnumbered. Send some
fighters to the planet.
EXT. EROM - DAY
The streets are chaotic with warfare. Stormtroopers and Resistance
warriors fire on each other from building to building. Speeder bikes
zoom through the streets.
Twenty stormtroopers press in on a small group of Resistance fighters
trapped in a bombed out building. Blue and red blaster bolts fly back
and forth. An SAV fires its cannon producing more big holes in the
structure.
Major Targ arrives with a platoon of EGUs and two MEV speeders. The
stormtroopers take no notice.
TARG
Go for the tank. We'll take the
troopers. Fire!
The MEVs launch their side-missiles which smash into the SAV blowing it
to pieces. The EGU troops open fire. The Imperials are taken by
surprise and most of them are cut down. The Resistance soldiers cheer.
EXT. EZIS - FOUNTAIN CIRCLE - DAY
The team moves through an old, abandoned city circle which used to
flourish with beautiful water fountains. Sergeant Smitts, Han, Leia,
Luke, Chewie, and two other Resistance soldiers jog past a partially
torn down statue.
Explosions rock the buildings next to them. Smitts stops the group. He
and Han look down an alley to see fierce fighting in the distance. Dead
stormtroopers and Resistance soldiers litter the area.
SMITTS
This'll take forever. The Imps
have clogged up all the major
roads.
HAN
And the minor ones.
Luke sees an SAV as well as the stormtrooper bodies.
LUKE
Han, remember when we were on
the Death Star?
HAN
I think I know what you're
gettin' at.
(to Smitts)
We have an idea.
EXT. EZIS - STREET - DAY
The fighting up ahead has died down. Resistance troops are on the run.
A stormtrooper pops his head out of the SAV when another trooper comes
up.
TROOPER
Let me in there. I'll handle
this thing. They need more guys
up at the front.
The SAV trooper gets out and runs in the direction of the fleeing
soldiers. The other trooper climbs in. Laser BLASTS are heard from the
inside.
The rear hatch opens and two dead stormtroopers roll out. Smitts,
Chewie, Luke, Leia and the others sneak from around the corner and
squeeze into the SAV.
INT. EZIS - SAV - DAY
Inside the extremely cramped compartment, Han takes off his stolen
stormtrooper helmet.
SMITTS
Good work. This thing is slow
but it'll get us there.
EXT. EZIS - STREET - DAY
The SAV begins to move. It crashes lightly into a building, then
straightens up and hovers down the street. Montross sneakily peeks
around the corner. He quietly follows the SAV.
EXT. EZIS - SKY - DAY
A TIE fighter drops bombs on some fleeing Resistance. A speeder is
flipped over and destroyed. The TIE suddenly finds an X-Wing closely
pursuing him. The X-Wing opens fire...
INT. X-WING FIGHTER - COCKPIT - DAY
Captain Hersch fires and his bolts strike the TIE directly, turning it
into a ball of flames.
HERSCH
That's the last bomb you'll ever
drop on my city.
Behind him two more TIEs swoop down, firing their green laser bolts.
Hersch maneuvers the controls downward and then into a barrel roll.
EXT. EZIS - SKY - DAY
The X-Wing soars low right past a building and does a 360-degree roll.
One TIE gets clipped by the building, spins out of control and crashes,
exploding. The other TIE continues pursuing Hersch.
INT. X-WING FIGHTER - COCKPIT - DAY
Ripy flies his fighter into the scene.
RIPY
Need some help, Captain?
HERSCH(VO)
No, I don't.
Ripy smiles and then squeezes the fire button.
EXT. EZIS - SKY - DAY
The TIE following Hersch is blown into a million pieces.
INT. X-WING FIGHTER - COCKPIT - DAY
HERSCH
Move on, Corporal. I have
everything under control here.
RIPY(VO)
Sir, look out point eight-five!
Hersch turns to see a formation of six TIE fighters angling toward him.
He plows straight for them and opens fire.
EXT. EZIS - SKY - DAY
Two TIEs are shot down, but the others unleash a hail of fire at Hersch
as he passes right through their formation. The X-Wing's right engine
is hit hard.
INT. X-WING FIGHTER - COCKPIT - DAY
Smoke and sparks fill the cockpit. Hersch unstraps himself and hits
some buttons. He then aims his fighter downward toward an Imperial
roadblock. The fighter canopy flies off and the captain is ejected out
into the sky!
EXT. EZIS - ROADBLOCK - DAY
Troopers see the approaching X-Wing and attempt to flee, but they
aren't fast enough. The fighter rockets toward their barricade and
crashes into it, destroying an SAV. The impact explosion sends
stormtroopers hurtling.
EXT. EZIS - SKY - DAY
Hersch's parachute opens up. As he descends, he pulls out his rifle and
fires down at troops on the ground as enemy laser bolts flutter all
around him.
Some laserbolts rip through his parachute. Falling faster, Hersch
steers himself toward a small squad of stormtroopers. He comes down at
an angle behind them. The captain lands on two troopers, knocking them
out. He blasts two more.
Hersch throws off his parachute. Two Resistance soldiers come out from
where they were hiding.
HERSCH
Has the battle started yet?
EXT. SPACE - RAMYA SECTOR
The Slave I emerges from hyperspace in the vicinity of the main
Imperial Fleet. The huge flagship, Executor, is flanked by a pair of
Star Destroyers. The Slave I makes haste toward them.
INT. EXECUTOR - VADER'S ROOM
Darth Vader sits in his meditation chair, facing a kneeling Boba Fett.
VADER
You claim to have discovered the
pilot, bounty hunter?
BOBA FETT
Yes, Lord Vader.
VADER
Have you brought him to me?
BOBA FETT
No. But I know who and where he
is. I give you the honor of
capturing him.
VADER
What is his name?
BOBA FETT
Luke Skywalker. He is currently
engaged in a conflict on the
Mantell system. He's yours for
the taking.
Vader rises from his chair and slowly comes nearer to Fett. He stands
silent for a moment, except for his metallic exhaling.
VADER
How did you discover this?
Fett rises.
BOBA FETT
I am the best in the business.
VADER
You will receive your reward
when the truth of your report is
confirmed.
Fett nods in acceptance.
VADER
Who informed you of this bounty?
BOBA FETT
Don't worry. He's already dead.
VADER
Which will be your fate if your
knowledge is disclosed to
anyone. I can promise a more
slow and painful death than what
you delivered.
BOBA FETT
Understood. If you need anything
in the future, Lord Vader, I
humbly insist that you contact
me.
VADER
Perhaps you will hear from me
again, bounty hunter.
Fett nods, then turns and leaves.
Vader walks over to a window and stares out, his mind swirling. Space
never looked so immense to him before.
The door opens and GENERAL VEERS enters briskly.
VEERS
My Lord, the Emperor wishes you
to provide him an update.
VADER
General, inform the Emperor that
we have departed on an emergency
mission. I am unavailable.
VEERS
My Lord, the Emperor must not be
made to wait.
Veers' neck starts twitching. He grabs it. He falls to his knees. Vader
walks swiftly toward him and leaves the room.
As he passes, Vader releases his force choke-hold. The general gasps
for air. Veers staggers back up and straightens his uniform.
INT. EXECUTOR - BRIDGE
Vader strides onto the bridge. Admiral Ozzel turns to him.
OZZEL
Lord Vader, our sensors have
detected the main Rebel Fleet
less than five parsecs away.
Shall I give the order to
advance?
VADER
Admiral, set a course for the
Mantell system.
OZZEL
But, my Lord, the Emperor's
orders...
VADER
I am altering the orders.
Ozzel is perplexed. As Vader turns his head, Ozzel gives him a
spiteful glance.
EXT. SPACE - MANTELL
The confrontation in space rages on. The Star Destroyers continue to
trade fire with the Rebel capital ships. Fighters dart back and forth
all over the battle scene. Two Y-Wings get clipped with fire and crash
into the Strife's hull.
The Alliance battleship VALIANT has taken a beating from the Strife.
Its forward lights sputter on and off. The two Rebel cruisers, with
their lesser firepower, move into position to help the Valiant.
Janson and Dack chase two TIE fighters. The TIEs make a sharp turn
upward to swoop around the front of the Strife. The X-Wings attempt the
move but almost crash into the ship.
INT. X-WING FIGHTER - COCKPIT
JANSON
Whoa, close one. Watch those
turbolasers.
EXT. SPACE - STAR DESTROYER
The X-Wings soar right over the surface of the Destroyer, its green
turbolasers blasting at them. The fighters swerve back and forth to
evade still managing to follow their TIE fighter prey.
INT. X-WING FIGHTER - COCKPIT
DACK
They're not losing us that easy.
EXT. SPACE - STAR DESTROYER
The four fighters fly right past the bridge. As soon as they all clear
the hull of the great ship, Janson and Dack let loose and reduce the
TIEs to shattered rubble.
In front of them, an X-Wing gets roasted by a TIE fighter. The TIE
flies through the wreckage.
INT. X-WING FIGHTER - COCKPIT
DACK
Was that Hobbie?
HOBBIE(VO)
Heck no. I'm still with ya.
Dack lets out a sigh of relief.
DACK
Wherever you are, form up with
us.
HOBBIE(VO)
Check.
EXT. SPACE - MANTELL
Derek Hobbie's X-Wing joins the other two. The three-fighter formation
turns and heads back into the maelstrom.
EXT. EROM - TIE FIGHTER BASE - DAY
A row of about ten TIE fighters line the base. The base is surrounded
on all four sides by a tall concrete wall. A roofless command post
guards the entrance.
A squad of stormtroopers jogs out of the base. Speeders zip in and out.
Imperial technicians tend to the parked fighters as well as TIEs which
land for repairs.
A WMD-4 droid rolls up to the command post and goes inside. His head
starts to flash red and then...BOOM! Troops and equipment are blown all
over the place.
Five Resistance soldiers and seven EGUs come around the corner near the
entrance and open fire. They take cover behind a row of barrels. The
stormtrooper squad stops and returns fire.
The distraction has worked. Three ropes appear over the wall at the far
end. Darren, Wedge, and Private Gomar climb over and jump down. They
crouch low to avoid being seen.
WEDGE
You do this a lot?
GOMAR
I live for this.
(points to a TIE fighter)
You take that one. The
Lieutenant and I will split
those two.
WEDGE
I've always wanted to fly one of
these things!
With the troopers distracted at the front, they run over to their
chosen fighters.
WEDGE
How do we keep our own fighters
from shooting at us?
DARREN
Pray.
Darren climbs up the ladder to his TIE fighter. As Wedge starts up his,
a little droid on wheels spins around and looks at him.
MK-73
Excuse me. What is your
passcode?
DARREN
Hurry up, Wedge!
Wedge climbs up quicker, but the droid starts blaring an ALARM.
Stormtroopers spin around and see them. They open fire. Gomar hops down
from his ladder, pulls out his gun and returns fire.
GOMAR
You guys go on! I'll hold 'em
off.
Darren has a look of consternation. Wedge, not sure what to do, just
jumps into his cockpit.
GOMAR
I love this part. They always
hit their own ships!
He's right. The troopers' blasts hit the TIE fighters as Gomar ducks
behind their large wings. He shoots back and takes down two Imperials.
A compartment in the west wall opens up and out come some troopers
rolling a bazooka-like gun on a tripod with wheels. They set up and
start blasting.
GOMAR
Now that's a new one.
INT. TIE FIGHTER - COCKPIT
Wedge quickly surveys the plethora of strange new controls, readouts,
and lights. He hits a switch and the ship's power comes on. He wipes
sweat off his brow.
EXT. EROM - TIE FIGHTER BASE - DAY
Gomar valiantly returns fire, but the bazooka is too much for him. He
turns and scurries back up his ladder. As he is half-way up, the
bazooka scores a big hit on the ladder. It breaks in half and Gomar
falls back to the ground hard.
Darren, watching from the TIE's cockpit, shuts his canopy and powers
up. The stormtroopers converge on the hijacked TIEs when Darren's
fighter suddenly unleashes its green blasters blowing away several
troopers and the bazooka team.
Wedge and Darren's fighters lift up into the sky. Gomar lies on the
ground.
EXT. EZIS - STREET - DAY
The SAV plows down the street. A column of stormtroopers run past it. A
trooper commander shouts to the vehicle.
TROOPER
Come this way. We need you in
sector twelve.
Just then, up ahead a thermal detonator flies out of a window landing
right in front of the troops. It explodes as they duck for cover.
Several are flung high in the air. One crashes through a second story
window.
INT. SAV - DAY
HAN
Definitely not goin' that way.
SMITTS
(pointing to the right)
Turn here.
Han turns the bulky controls.
INT. EROM - BUILDING - DAY
General Corbet with his small entourage keep a low profile in an
abandoned building. They have set up makeshift computer readouts and
electronic maps. Intermittent explosions are heard outside. Private
Coll runs into the room.
COLL
General, the fleet is winning!
Corbet bows all the way down to the ground, as if praying.
CORBET
Thank you.
He quickly gets up.
CORBET
How bad are we losing down here?
COLL
Not that bad, sir. The EGUs are
helping.
CORBET
Unbelievable.
He smiles and grabs another soldier in a hug.
EXT. RIVER - MISSILE INSTALLATION - DAY
The installation is carved out of the hills near the river. Its
retractable roof is currently retracted to allow direct visibility for
missile launches. The base is surrounded by greenery and fields, on
which large flocks of nerfs graze.
A large gate keeps out unwanted visitors. The SAV slowly approaches it.
A missile is seen taking off from inside the base and soars high into
the sky. A guard approaches the vehicle.
LUKE(VO)
Han, let me try something.
The guard trooper stands near the opening hatch. The hatch pops open
revealing someone wearing a trooper helmet.
GUARD
What's your clearance?
LUKE
You will let us in.
GUARD
After I get your clearance.
LUKE
You don't need our clearance.
GUARD
Well, the Commander says we do
now. Security has tightened up
around here.
HAN
(whispering from inside)
Kid, what are you doing?
LUKE
Uh...look, we have injured men.
We don't have our code right
now. Can you just let us in?
GUARD
Alright, alright.
The guard pushes some buttons on a small controller. The gate opens and
the SAV crawls in.
INT. MISSILE INSTALLATION - DAY
The SAV rolls forward and comes to a stop.
INT. SAV - DAY
SMITTS
(quietly)
Did you see those animals out
there? Nerfs. The dumbest
creatures on Mantell. And the
only ones brave enough to stay
out in the open after the Empire
came.
LEIA
That's very interesting,
Sergeant. But what do we do now?
Captain Solo?
HAN
I'm just makin' this up as I go.
INT. MISSILE INSTALLATION - DAY
The SAV hatch opens and Han, in the trooper disguise, gets out. He
looks around. There is one long row of controls and readouts. Farther
down he sees the missiles themselves, resting on their launch pads and
pointed up at the sky.
Bright light and fire appear under a missile. It screams off into the
sky, a trail of smoke behind. Han notices a group of controllers up
some stairs to the left who appear to have fired it. He goes up the
stairs toward them.
Someone in a TIE fighter pilot outfit runs up the base commander, a
human in a very decorated gray-uniform.
PILOT
Sir, the people in that tank are
spies. They are with the rebels!
COMMANDER
Shouldn't a TIE fighter pilot
like you be with his squadron?
PILOT
I ain't just a pilot.
He pulls off his helmet revealing Montross!
MONTROSS
I am a secret agent for Darth
Vader!
COMMANDER
Lord Vader? Is that so?
He motions to some troops, who pull up their guns toward him.
MONTROSS
Whoa! They had no code
clearance. Just open up that
thing and see what's inside.
The commander nods to his top officers.
INT. MISSILE INSTALLATION - DAY
About ten stormtroopers and the Commander surround the SAV.
COMMANDER
(loudly)
Whoever is in there, come out
with your hands up or you will
be fired upon.
Han stops and sees what's happening. He turns and slowly walks up more
stairs toward a large gun turret that sits at the top of a hill. The
gun looks down on the whole base.
Montross pinpoints Han. He puts his helmet back on and walks in Han's
direction.
EXT. SPACE - MANTELL
The Rebel fleet has taken damage, but it is minor compared to the
Empire's vessels. The dog-fighting continues as the tenacious rebel
fighters maintain the upperhand.
INT. COURAGE - BRIDGE
DODONNA
We must help the Princess as
much as we can. Prepare to
launch troop transports.
THREEPIO
The battle seems to be nearly
over.
A controller shouts to Dodonna.
CONTROLLER
Sir, new enemy vessels!
THREEPIO
Oh dear. Why do I open my mouth?
EXT. SPACE - MANTELL
Into the midst of the battle comes the dreadful shape of the Super Star
Destroyer Executor, along with two other Star Destroyers, the VICE and
the PINCER.
INT. EXECUTOR - BRIDGE
OZZEL
The Mantell system, my Lord.
Admiral Madine is in command.
One of the finest officers in
the fleet. I would trust him
with my life.
VADER
Concentrate your attack on the
lead battleship.
EXT. SPACE - MANTELL
The Executor and the Vice maneuver toward the Courage and begin to
pummel it with turbolasers. The Pincer moves against the Valiant to
give relief to the Strife.
INT. COURAGE - BRIDGE
DODONNA
(agitated)
Where in blazes did they come
from? Shields at maximum. We've
got to hold them off.
EXT. SPACE - MANTELL
Fires erupt over the surface of the Storm. Rebel fighters veer away
from it and speed toward the new threats.
INT. X-WING FIGHTER - COCKPIT
Janson tracks a TIE fighter, then carefully aims and blasts it to
pieces. In the distance beyond the fiery rubble he sees the newly
arrived Imperial fleet.
JANSON
Look sharp. The big boys are
here.
HOBBIE(VO)
We can take 'em.
JANSON
That's what I like to hear.
EXT. SPACE - MANTELL
Their three-fighter formation flies toward the Executor.
INT. EROM - BUILDING - DAY
Corbet surveys his maps and readouts. Explosions continue to shake the
building. Corbet turns to a young private.
CORBET
Go scout the southeast side to
see how our troops are holding
up there.
The soldier nods and runs out the door. He stops to look around and is
immediately cut down by red blaster fire.
CORBET
Curse.
Corbet starts to go after him, but his officers hold him back. Two of
them creep over to the door for a look. To the right they see about
twenty stormtroopers marching down the alley toward their makeshift
headquarters.
OFFICER
Sir, we must flee.
CORBET
Let's just surrender and get it
over with.
The officers pay no attention (apparently they've gotten used to
comments like that) and begin to pack things up.
Then, outside, blue blaster bolts and mini-missiles fly past the door
in the opposite direction toward the stormtroopers.
EXT. EROM - BUILDING - STREET - DAY
Major Targ with a platoon of EGUs, MEVs, and MTS speeders has arrived.
Their counterattack puts a halt to the Imperial's advance. Targ dodges
fire and dives into the war room.
INT. EROM - BUILDING - DAY
Corbet notices Targ's EGU uniform.
CORBET
Please tell me you're on our
side.
TARG
Absolutely, sir.
Targ raises his arm to reveal his orange circle. Corbet blankly looks
at it.
CORBET
What is that supposed to mean?
TARG
General, I'm glad I finally
found you. I am Major Targ of
the faithful Erom Guard Units.
We fight with you. Now please,
come with us to a more secure
location. And I can show you
something I think you'll be
interested in.
EXT. EROM - BUILDING - STREET - DAY
The EGUs have pushed the troopers back. MEV and MTS speeders advance
down the street. Several stormtroopers turn and retreat.
INT. MISSILE INSTALLATION - DAY
Han, still in disguise, watches the tense situation below. He slowly
makes his way to the mounted gun turret.
Stormtroopers aim their guns at the SAV. Its small front hatch pops
open. Out first comes Leia, then Luke, Smitts and then the two other
Resistance soldiers. Chewie does not come out.
The five raise their hands. The Commander eyes the rag-tag group with
disdain. He approaches Luke.
COMMANDER
What's this?
He pulls Luke's lightsaber off his belt and holds it up.
COMMANDER
Would you be some kind of Jedi
Knight? I thought we killed all
of your kind back in the day. Hm.
(to officer)
Take this one for questioning.
Kill the rest.
Leia looks at Luke, and then up at where Han is. Luke quickly waves his
hand. The Commander's sidearm pistol-blaster flies out of its holster
and hits Leia in the forehead!
LUKE
Sorry!
The SAV's rear blasters open fire on the troopers, blowing away two of
them. Other troopers open fire and kill two Resistance soldiers.
Leia grabs the pistol and dives for cover. Luke ducks down and pulls
out his gun. Smitts kicks a stormtrooper in the face and then dives
behind the SAV.
Han finally jumps on the gun turret. He swivels it to his right and
lets loose its powerful blasts. Three troopers and the Commander are
sent reeling. Luke's saber rolls away.
From Han's left, other troopers start running in from the missile
trench. He swivels the gun toward them and fires some blasts. Montross
charges up the stairs toward Han.
Luke and Leia take cover behind the SAV, returning fire. Leia rubs the
bruise on her head.
LEIA
Nice trick.
LUKE
I'm still working on it.
Han doesn't see Montross soon enough and the bounty hunter sidekick
tackles him hard. They both go tumbling down the hill behind the
installation.
EXT. MISSILE INSTALLATION - FIELD - DAY
After they roll to a stop on the grassy field, Montross throws a punch
at Han's face. His fist strikes the stormtrooper helmet.
MONTROSS
Oww!
Han pulls off the helmet and smacks Montross across the face with it.
MONTROSS
Ugh.
Han gets up. Montross lies there, but deftly kicks Han in the stomach.
This takes Han by surprise and Montross swings another punch. This one
connects and Han is sent backwards, his blaster falling to the ground.
MONTROSS
Your bounty is mine, Solo.
HAN
So that's what this is all
about, huh?
Montross grabs Han's fallen blaster. Han gets up only to duck again
just as Montross fires at him.
The blaster bolt flies past and into the herd of nerfs. One screams as
the whole flock becomes disturbed. Han tackles Montross and wrestles
the gun away. He punches Montross again, apparently knocking him out.
Han stands up and catches his breath. He looks up at the base and then
back at the animals. He fires a few shots into the herd. They moan
loudly and begin stampeding toward the base.
INT. MISSILE INSTALLATION - DAY
Luke, Leia, and Smitts take down a few troopers, but they are becoming
rapidly outnumbered. Troops pour in from both sides. The SAV's blasters
are destroyed from the force of dozens of troopers firing on it.
LEIA
I have a bad feeling about this.
Where is Han?
Luke looks up toward the hill and beholds Han running like a madman
over the hill and down the steps.
HAN
Get in the tank! Get in the
tank!
LUKE
Found him.
Han leaps onto the SAV and climbs down the hatch head first. A low
rumbling sound is heard over the hill. Then they arrive.
Dozens of the huge furry nerfs stampede over the hill and down the
incline into the installation. Luke grabs Leia's arm. They jump onto
the SAV and dive into the hatch. Smitts follows them and shuts it
behind him.
The beasts devastate the base and every living thing standing. The
stormtroopers are bewildered by this massive force of animal power.
Troopers are trampled, stomped, and knocked to and fro.
The nerfs bust through the gate and run into the street. The SAV is
rocked back and forth, but remains secure.
INT. SAV - DAY
Han, Luke, Leia, Chewie, and Smitts hold on as the vehicle is rocked
around by the furious attack.
HAN
I think I know how they fire the
missiles.
INT. MISSILE INSTALLATION - DAY
Things have quieted down. Only a couple nerfs run around the base.
Stormtrooper bodies are everywhere. The hatch opens.
The five of them run up to the missile controls.
HAN
This is it, if it survived.
He presses a button and a missile shoots off into the sky. Leia pats
him on the back. Chewie howls.
LEIA
Well done, hotshot.
They see computer readout screens which show different targets-land,
sky, and space.
SMITTS
Our troops in sector three on
the west side were very weak.
HAN
Let's give it a shot.
He punches some buttons. The readout screen shows the targeter
adjusting.
LUKE
No, try this.
Luke reaches down and hits a button. A green grid now overlays the
screen.
SMITTS
That did it. Fire.
Han pushes the button. A missile flares up and shoots off.
EXT. EROM - WEST SIDE SQUARE - DAY
Captain Hersch leads a group of soldiers holding their position in the
West Square. The square is surrounded by a thick wall.
Their front line is lined up behind mostly rubble and fallen debris.
The superior Imperial force opposing them slowly advances against them.
Out of the sky comes screaming the large cruise missile. It strikes
directly on the Imperial line destroying the SAV and a large number of
troopers. The Resistance soldiers cheer.
EXT. EZIS - SIDE STREET - DAY
Targ, Corbet, and their entourage trudge down the street. They are
almost to the entrance of an underground bunker when they hear the roar
of TIE bombers overhead.
TARG
Get down!
As Targ ducks, he looks and sees two TIEs approaching with two more a
distance behind them. To his delight the two rear TIE fighters blast
the front two, blowing them up!
CORBET
Ha ha. Those were my boys!
Corbet waves at the two heroic TIEs passing over.
EXT. EZIS - UNDERGROUND BUNKER - DAY
The group descends concrete steps into the bunker.
CORBET
Are you taking me to prison,
Major?
TARG
Don't worry, General. You're
only visiting.
They reach the bottom and come upon several cells holding about twenty
prisoners behind glowing force-fields. Corbet peers at them, then his
eyebrows rise.
CORBET
These are some of my old
cronies. Quill and Vance. Ha. I
knew I'd see you locked up
someday.
QUILL sits on a cot in one of the cells.
QUILL
I'm surprised you're still alive
you old battle axe. Are you
joining us in here, General sir?
TARG
I'm afraid he's not.
(to Corbet)
General, these are the true
traitors of Mantell. The EGU
leadership. We seized them right
before the battle began.
CORBET
Bold. I like that.
INT. STRIFE - BRIDGE
Admiral Madine watches the battle from his bridge viewport. Several X-
Wings fly right past the bridge causing several officers to duck. The
bridge rocks from blasts. The ship's first officer, COMMANDER SARK,
runs up to Madine.
SARK
(hurriedly)
Sir, the Storm is going down and
this ship is in danger even with
the arrival of the new fleet.
What are your orders?
MADINE
I have a special plan. You have
the bridge for now, Commander. I
will contact you soon with
further instructions.
Madine turns and swiftly exits the bridge. Sark looks puzzled.
EXT. EROM - STREETS - DAY
Two speederbikes escort a quickly marching column of twenty
stormtroopers. From above comes the screeching sound of a deadly cruise
missile. It strikes the column causing destruction and mayhem. The
whole unit is destroyed.
INT. MISSILE INSTALLATION - DAY
The hit registers with a red flash on the targeting screen. Smitts
smiles.
SMITTS
Excellent.
Luke picks up his lightsaber, ignites it, and runs off the last of the
nerfs. He then runs back toward the missile launching terminal, manned
by Han and Smitts. Leia pores over readout screens which show Mantell's
orbit.
LEIA
More star destroyers have
arrived. There goes our
advantage.
Luke hears her as he arrives back at the terminal.
LUKE
Didn't the general say that
these were very long range
missiles?
HAN
He's right. These babies could
probably make it into orbit.
SMITTS
We can't abandon our troops down
here.
LEIA
If we lose the battle up there,
you won't have any troops left.
HAN
Princess, patch that chart
through to here.
INT. STRIFE - ENGINEERING SECTION
Madine emerges through the door to the main engineering room. A
controller looks up and then stands at attention.
CONTROLLER
Admiral?
MADINE
I must access the Deflector
Array Portal.
CONTROLLER
(hesitant)
Yes...sir. May I ask why?
MADINE
No time to explain.
The controller pulls a switch which opens up a door to the inner
chamber. Madine quickly enters.
INT. STRIFE - DEFLECTOR ARRAY PORTAL
Madine finds a readout terminal and brings up a tactical display of the
entire battle. He hits a few more buttons. Then a hatch opens and a
little droid, DAP-1, sticks his head out.
DAP-1
Access denied. Admiral One
clearance requires the consent
of two fleet admirals.
INT. EXECUTOR - BRIDGE
A lieutenant approaches Admiral Ozzel.
LIEUTENANT
Sir, we just received a call
from Admiral Madine. He is
requesting the Admiral One code
clearance. Should we consult
Lord Vader?
OZZEL
That won't be necessary,
Lieutenant. You may give the
admiral my consent code.
INT. STRIFE - BRIDGE
Sark has the con. The communicator beeps.
MADINE(VO)
Commander, my orders are to take
the ship to coordinates nine-six
-nine, full speed ahead.
SARK
Sir...that takes us dangerously
close to the Star Destroyer
Pincer.
MADINE(VO)
Trust me. It's a maneuver to
fool the rebels.
INT. STRIFE - DEFLECTOR ARRAY PORTAL
Madine punches some more buttons. Then the readout screen displays a
countdown timer: 10:00 minutes and counting. He quickly exits the
chamber.
INT. STRIFE - ENGINEERING SECTION
Madine walks past the controller, who rises to attention. The
controller then turns and heads toward the inner chamber. Madine pulls
out a small pistol and fires a blue-ringed stun blast at him. He
collapses to the floor. Madine exits.
EXT. SPACE - MANTELL
The Executor and Vice pour fire on the Courage. A big explosion erupts
near the starboard engine. Fighters get caught in the flames and
explode.
INT. COURAGE - BRIDGE
The bridge is shaking violently. Dodonna steadys himself by grabbing
onto some large tubes that have fallen from the ceiling. Threepio isn't
so lucky. He goes tumbling backwards.
DODONNA
Reroute all shields to the
starboard side.
INT. STORM - BRIDGE
The destroyer's bridge is total chaos. Fires burn openly. Captain
Arogen falls to the deck and grasps onto his chair.
AROGEN
(angrily)
Prepare the escape pods, you
imbeciles!
EXT. SPACE - MANTELL
Destruction finally overtakes the Storm as it collapses and explodes in
gigantic spectacular fashion.
The Pincer continues to trade fire with the Valiant and the two
cruisers. The Strife begins moving rapidly toward the Pincer.
INT. MISSILE INSTALLATION - DAY
LEIA
Everything set?
SMITTS
Maximum launch capacity. Check.
LEIA
Do it.
Han presses the fire button. Thirty huge missiles flare and soar
straight up, creating an incredibly loud roar. The group watches them
go above the clouds.
INT. COURAGE - BRIDGE
A powerful round of fire from the Executor blows a hole in the bridge.
With horror, Dodonna sees the planet through the hole. The space vacuum
starts sucking everything out. Dodonna holds tightly to a console.
Threepio slides across the floor.
THREEPIO
This is pure madness!
Threepio gets completely sucked out the hole!
EXT. SPACE - MANTELL
The golden droid floats through space.
THREEPIO
Ahhhhhh!!!!!
From the underbelly of the Executor, six powerful plasma torpedoes are
launched toward the Courage.
INT. COURAGE - BRIDGE
General Dodonna sees the torpedoes heading toward his ship. He closes
his eyes.
EXT. SPACE - MANTELL
The torpedoes impact. The forward quarter of the ship is blown up. The
rest of the vessel turns on its side and then dissipates in a
tremendous explosion.
INT. STRIFE - BRIDGE
Commander Sark gazes straight ahead on course, which appears to be a
path directly into the Pincer. They get closer and closer.
LIEUTENANT
Sir, are these the right
coordinates?
SARK
These are the Admiral's exact
orders. He has a plan.
INT. STRIFE - DEFLECTOR ARRAY PORTAL
The readout screen timer counts down: 00:03, 00:02, 00:01, 00:00. A red
light flashes.
INT. STRIFE - BRIDGE
LIEUTENANT
Sir, all shields are down!
They lurch backward as the Strife's boosters suddenly fire at full
power.
SARK
Evasive action!
EXT. SPACE - MANTELL
The Strife blasts forward. The Pincer, after finally realizing what's
happening, desperately tries to evade but it is too late. The Strife's
pointed nose pierces directly into the port side of the Pincer's hull.
A huge explosion erupts at the point of impact. Both destroyers are
brought down in a massive display of fireworks. An escape pod falls
away from the explosion, heading toward the planet.
INT. EXECUTOR - BRIDGE
Darth Vader strides up to Admiral Ozzel with the other officers.
VADER
Admiral, why has the entire fleet
lost their deflector shields?
OZZEL
(frazzled)
I don't know, my Lord. We're
working on a solution.
Officers and techs frantically work the controls.
CONTROLLER
Sir, there are incoming
projectiles from the planet.
EXT. SPACE - MANTELL
Out of the planet's atmosphere emerge thirty pin-points of light. They
emerge into view as thirty powerful missiles plowing on course. Half of
them pass through the Courage's rubble.
The Vice attempts to blast away from the oncoming assault, but the
sizeable vessel does not possess the maneuverability. One by one the
missiles strike its underbelly. The lack of deflector shields allows
this to create unbelievable damage.
The entire destroyer lurches, and then the back engines explode in a
fireball. The rest of the ship then follows in a great explosion. The
Vice is gone.
INT. EXECUTOR - BRIDGE
Vader sees the carnage. He turns to Ozzel.
VADER
Bring my shuttle. Prepare the
landing party.
OZZEL
That might not be possible. The
rebel fighters have...dominance
over the battle zone.
Vader responds only with heavy metallic breathing. Ozzel gulps.
EXT. SPACE - MANTELL
Threepio tumbles through space toward a Rebel cruiser. Y-Wing fighters
zoom past him to land inside the docking bay.
INT. CRUISER - DOCKING BAY
Threepio coasts right into the bay. The simulated gravity kicks in and
goldenrod plummets to the deck. He lies there.
THREEPIO
(rather shaken)
Oh...my...goodness.
(looks up)
This doesn't look like the same
ship.
EXT. EZIS - SKY - DAY
Eight X-Wings and two Y-Wings emerge through the clouds. They quickly
find a squadron of TIE fighters and engage them. Three TIEs are
abruptly shot down.
EXT. EROM - WEST SIDE SQUARE - DAY
Hersch, Private Ranson, and a few others huddle around the corner of a
building. Smoke rises in the distance behind them.
HERSCH
Ready?
The soldiers load up their blasters with fresh ammo-packs.
HERSCH
Let's do it.
Hersch leads fifteen battle weary soldiers out into the spacious
square. They jog toward the enemy front line. They can see about a
hundred stormtroopers as well as several speeder bikes and SAVs. One
SAV fires a round from its powerful cannon. BOOM.
The blast blows a big hole in the ground near the team, but does not
hurt anyone. They stop and take up a defensive stance.
HERSCH
Come on.
The speeder bikes rev up and move out. The platoons of troopers follow.
The bulk of the Imperial force advances into the square.
Hersch watches the approaching enemy. After a few moments, he nods to
Ranson. Private Ranson pulls out a flare gun, aims at the sky and
fires. The red flare soars high above Erom.
Onto the wall of the square to the sides and behind the Imperials
appear dozens of EGUs, guns ready. Two groups of EGUs set up large
bazooka-like cannons, pointed down at the square.
The stormtroopers, for once, are completely surrounded. They don't know
what to do.
EXT. SPACE - MANTELL
The two remaining Rebel battleships as well as the two cruisers move
into position to attack the Executor. Rebel fighters begin to swarm all
over the gigantic ship.
INT. X-WING FIGHTER - COCKPIT
Dack fires with a vengeance on the Executor's underbelly producing
profuse explosions.
DACK
Whoa. This is too easy!
INT. X-WING FIGHTER - COCKPIT
JANSON
Command reports their shields
are totally down. Let's make
this count.
EXT. SPACE - EXECUTOR
Janson, Dack, and Hobbie furiously fire upon the destroyer's
underbelly, wreaking as much havoc as they can. Dozens of other
fighters join in.
Three Y-Wings dive near the bridge letting proton torpedoes fly which
destroy a major set of turbolaser turrets. The four Rebel capital ships
fire relentlessly at all sides of the Executor.
INT. EXECUTOR - BRIDGE
Vader sees all the action. The bridge lurches from the assault. Ozzel,
nervous already, nearly falls over. Officers are panicking.
VADER
Have the shields been restored?
OZZEL
My lord, they appear to have
been...permanently deactivated.
EXT. SPACE - MANTELL
Twenty-five new missiles speed toward the Executor. As they reach its
vicinity several green turbolasers fire from the ship to intersect. Ten
missiles are shot down, but the rest continue.
The remaining missiles strike the Super Star Destroyer's front port
side producing considerable damage. Fire from the other Rebel ships and
fighters continues to add to the damage.
INT. EXECUTOR - BRIDGE
LIEUTENANT
(to Ozzel)
Sir, we cannot handle more
damage!
Ozzel slowly turns to Darth Vader.
OZZEL
My lord, it appears we must
retreat for now. We can always
crush these pathetic rebels at a
later time.
Vader doesn't speak, but simply breathes his heavy metallic breaths. He
turns and starts walking off the bridge. As he leaves, he waves his
hand. The large, red retreat light blinks on above Ozzel. Ozzel quickly
turns to his Lieutenant.
OZZEL
Retreat! Let's get out of here.
EXT. SPACE - MANTELL
The Executor accelerates away from the onslaught, then fires its
hyperspace boosters. It disappears into the galaxy.
EXT. EROM - WEST SIDE SQUARE - DAY
The face off persists. One stormtrooper speaks to another.
TROOPER
Call the fleet for more air
support.
Immediately the sound of TIE fighters approaching is heard.
TROOPER
Here they come.
Two TIEs are seen from a distance. Hersch tenses up. He holds up his
hand, indicating to his men to stay down and stay calm. The TIEs get
closer and then proceed right over the battle scene.
The fighters' bottom-bay doors open dropping fusion bombs right on top
of the stormtroopers' position! Troops, SAVs and speederbikes are
decimated. One trooper listens to his comlink.
TROOPER
Sir, the fleet has retreated.
The lead trooper looks around once more at the situation, and then
throws down his gun and raises his hands. The other Imperials follow
suit. Hersch runs up to them.
HERSCH
You are all under arrest for the
unlawful seizure of our
sovereign world. And for the
destruction and pillaging of our
cities.
EXT. EROM - WEST SIDE SQUARE - NIGHT
Large external lamps illuminate the city square. Resistance and EGU
soldiers escort columns of Imperial prisoners-stormtroopers and
officers. Hersch oversees the prisoners. General Corbet, Lieutenant
Darren, Wedge, and Major Targ confer together.
CORBET
I know. I know. You told me so.
What can I say?
Darren smiles.
CORBET
I never thought I would do this.
Corbet kneels down to Major Targ and salutes him.
TARG
Please, General. I should be
saluting you. Yes...you stood
firm through Mantell's darkest
days.
A large speeder approaches and pulls up beside them. Out of it jumps
Han, Luke, Leia, Chewie, Smitts, and Admiral Madine-looking worn and
tired. His gray admiral hat is gone.
CORBET
Here are the true heroes of
Mantell.
He walks up to Leia and again gives her a big bear hug.
CORBET
My beautiful Princess, I and my
planet owe you a debt of
gratitude, which will take many
eons to repay.
LEIA
Just don't forget our deal.
CORBET
Oh, right. That. We'll be back
on our feet just in time to join
your Alliance.
(looks at Darren)
Well, maybe.
He notices Madine.
CORBET
Who's this, a prisoner?
HAN
A defector. This is, or was,
Admiral Madine of the Galactic
Empire. He has some things to
say.
MADINE
May I, General?
CORBET
Hurry up. I got things to do.
MADINE
I joined the service of the
Republic when it stood for
peace and justice. When the
Great Republic collapsed and the
Empire came to power, I felt I
should stay at my position. To
run away would be cowardly. But
as I saw the Emperor's treachery
over and over again, and the
cruelties he inflicted on the
peoples of many worlds, I
simply could not remain in his
evil regime any longer. The
battle for your world, General,
was my opportunity. I have now
left the Empire forever and am
joining the Rebel Alliance.
LEIA
The admiral sabotaged his own
ship for us. Without him we
would not have won.
CORBET
I guess I have you also to
thank, sir.
Corbet and Madine shake hands.
CORBET
Somebody get him out of this
ugly uniform into some decent
clothes.
EXT. MISSILE INSTALLATION - NIGHT
The Slave I descends from sky and lands in the grassy area behind the
missile installation.
Boba Fett approaches the body of Montross, who still lies where he was
trampled by the nerfs.
BOBA FETT
Not a bad partner.
EXT. EROM - WEST SIDE SQUARE - DAY
The next morning, all the remaining Resistance and EGU soldiers are
gathered, along with their wives and children. An X-Wing and a TIE
fighter sit on either side of the square. The rebels stand up front
with Corbet.
Women come to the front and place large green and orange wreaths around
the necks of Leia, Han, Luke, Wedge, Chewie, and Madine, who bow to
receive them.
CORBET
This is one of the last
vestiges of our cultural
heritage that has survived.
Please accept the Wreaths of
Courage.
Leia picks up another wreath.
LEIA
One more should be given for our
fallen starfleet commander.
General Dodonna was killed in
the battle.
Corbet nods. The whole assembly kneels and salutes the group. Then the
men, led by Hersch, Darren, and Ripy, get up and rush to Corbet and
pick him up on their shoulders.
CORBET
(flustered)
Hey!
They parade him around the square while the people applaud and cheer.
INT. CAPITAL BUILDING - DAY
The capital building, which the Empire had formally controlled, now
hosts the after-celebration. Food and drinks and are served. Chewie
stuffs himself. Luke talks to Han.
LUKE
So why didn't they bring the
Falcon?
HAN
Rieekan says the hyperdrive was
malfunctioning. I should
probably get that fixed, huh?
Leia goes up to Corbet, who was in the middle of telling stories to his
men.
LEIA
Just one more piece of business,
General, then we have to go.
CORBET
Anything for you, Princess.
LEIA
The Alliance is looking for a
secluded planet to set up a new
Rebel base. In your vast
experience, do you have any
ideas?
CORBET
Well, I wouldn't do it here of
course. Or on the moon. You
know, when I was young, a
googleplex eons ago, I did some
mining work on this little
planet way out there. The Empire
would never look there.
LEIA
Where is it?
CORBET
I should warn you first. Do you
mind cold?
EXT. SPACE
The Executor, alone, moves against the vast sea of stars.
INT. EXECUTOR - VADER'S QUARTERS
Vader approaches his hologram communicator ring and kneels. A circle of
white light illuminates around him. A twelve-foot hologram of the
black-hooded Emperor Palpatine appears.
VADER
Yes, my master.
EMPEROR
Have you confronted the Rebel
fleet yet, Lord Vader?
VADER
We encountered a portion of the
fleet, but had to withdraw-only
temporarily, my master.
EMPEROR
That does not bode well.
VADER
Our new probe droids are ready.
They will certainly locate the
rebels and their secret base. We
will strike them soon, master.
EMPEROR
Did you discover any information
regarding the young rebel pilot,
Lord Vader?
After a short pause, Vader replies.
VADER
No, my master. We discovered
nothing.
EXT. SPACE - HOTH SYSTEM
The main Rebel Starfleet cruises into orbit around the icy-white snow
planet of Hoth.
INT. HEADQUARTERS FRIGATE - BRIDGE
MON MOTHMA, the elegant, red-headed leader of the Alliance stares out
at the bleak world. She speaks into the bridge communicator.
MON MOTHMA
General, begin launching
transports.
INT. HEADQUARTERS FRIGATE - DOCKING BAY
A large Rebel troop transport lifts up and exits the bay. It maneuvers
down toward the planet.
INT. REBEL TRANSPORT - COCKPIT
In the cockpit of the lead transport sit General Rieekan, Leia, Luke,
Han, Chewie, Threepio, and Artoo.
EXT. SPACE - HOTH
More transports exit the headquarters ship. Several fighters and other
ships blast into the new world's atmosphere.
FADE OUT
THE END
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