*****************************************************************
76 EXT EWOK VILLAGE - NIGHT
The walkway is deserted now. The windows of the little huts glow and flicker from the fires inside.
The sounds of the forest fill the soft night air.
Luke has wandered away from the Chief's hut and stands staring up at the Death Star.
Leia finds him like that.
Leia finds him like that.
LEIA
Luke, what's wrong?
(Luke turns and looks at her a long moment.)
LUKE
Leia... do you remember your mother? Your real mother?
LEIA
Just a little bit. She died when I was very young.
LUKE
What do you remember?
LEIA
Just...images, really. Feelings.
LUKE
Tell me.
LEIA
(a little surprised at his insistence) She was very beautiful. Kind, but...sad.
(looks up) Why are you asking me all this?
(He looks away.)
LUKE
I have no memory of my mother. I never knew her.
LEIA
Luke, tell me. What's troubling you?
LUKE
Vader is here...now, on this moon.
LEIA
(alarmed) How do you know?
LUKE
I felt his presence. He's come for me. He can feel when I'm near. That's why I have to go.
(facing her) As long as I stay, I'm endangering the group and our mission here.
(beat)
I have to face him.
(Leia is distraught, confused.)
LEIA
Why?
(Luke moves close and his manner is gentle. And very calm.)
LUKE
He's my father.
LEIA
Your father?
LUKE
There's more. It won't be easy for you to hear it, but you must.
If I don't make it back, you're the only hope for the Alliance.
(Leia is very disturbed by this. She moves away, as if to deny it.)
LEIA
Luke, don't talk that way. You have a power I--I don't understand and could never have.
LUKE
You're wrong, Leia. You have that power, too. In time, you'll learn to use it as I have.
The Force is strong in my family.
My father has it...I have it...and...my sister has it.
(Leia stares into his eyes.
What she sees there frightens her.
But she doesn't draw away.
She begins to understand.)
LUKE
Yes. It's you Leia.
LEIA
I know. Somehow...I've always known.
LUKE
Then you know why I have to face him.
LEIA
No! Luke, run away, far away. If he can feel your presence, then leave this place.
LUKE
No, that is not my path.
(They hold each other close and he steps back; they look at each other, brother and sister.)
LEIA
But, why must you confront him?
LUKE
Because...there is good in him. I've felt it.
He won't turn me over to the Emperor. I can save him.
LEIA
Good in him? Save him? What are you saying?
He’s a monster.
In all the time I’ve known him, he has embodied all that we are fighting against.
Fear. Hate. Power. You can’t undo what is done...what HE has done.
He stood by while my parents...the REAL parents that raised me. ...
(She pauses as this sinks in. She lowers her eyes to the ground feeling cold and alone.
Slowly, she continues.)
...my home...
...everyone and everything I had ever loved...
...everyone and everything I had ever loved...
(softly)
...destroyed.
(She slowly looks back up to Luke, and still slowly but with a fire building inside)
And you can’t...you mustn’t undo who you are.
Father or not...turning yourself over to him...that would be suicide.
LUKE
I can turn him back to the good side.
I have to try.
Leia is in shock...holding back her tears as Luke slowly moves away.
Han comes out of the Chief's hut and comes over to her.
HAN
Hey.
Luke pauses and give a peaceful smile and a nod to Han.
LUKE
Han. Take care of her.
May the Force be with you.
He disappears onto the walkway that leads out of the village.
Leia starts to go after him, but Han grabs her arm.
HAN
Leia? What’s going on?
Where is he going?
What are you DOING?
(She tries to shakes him off.)
LEIA
Han...you have to let go.
HAN
(angry) What?
(She looks up at him, struggling to control herself.)
LEIA
I have to stop him.
He wants to turn himself into Vader.
HAN
Vader?
Why the hell would he do that?
(She stops struggling and composes herself)
LEIA
Vader is his father. He’s...he...
(She can barely bring herself to say the words aloud)
He’s my father, too.
(Han is stunned. He lowers his hand.
For the first time in his life, Han Solo is speechless.)
I have to stop him. And if I can’t...I...I...
(Han takes her hand in his and looks deep into her eyes)
HAN
You what?
LEIA
I have to be by his side. I can’t let him face Vader alone.
HAN
I’m not sending you off to be a trophy for the Emperor.
I’m never leaving your side again.
I’m coming with you.
LEIA
No...you can’t
My work here is complete.
There is no more I can do.
But these troops need you. They need a leader.
The fate of a galaxy desperate for freedom is in our hands...
(She squeezes his hand tighter, gazes into his eyes and warmly smiles)
...in your hands.
It may seem like a lifetime ago when you turned your back and left the Empire,
but that hopeful, naive, enthusiastic man that was not able to stand idly by
when he saw pure evil is the man I have always seen inside of you.
You saved Chewbacca and the wookies because you knew
that freedom was more important that the comfort and ease
that you knew in your heart was the empty promise of the Empire.
(She pulls him close and hugs him. She rests her head on his shoulder.)
And you’ve been running ever since.
But now it is time to stop running.
It is time to be the man that I have seen you grow into.
The man you had been hiding from.
The man you have always been.
(They release their embrace and she steps back a step and they gaze at each other)
My place is at my brother’s side. He may not have the strength to end this alone.
I can’t’ let him sacrifice himself in vain. He thinks he has to try to find the good in him.
Well, I have to try to help him. I owe it to him.
HAN
There’s nothing I can do to stop you, is there?.
LEIA
I’m sorry.
(beat)
HAN
Don’t be.
Go.
(They kiss and look into each other’s eyes.
Then, she turns and starts moving in the direction Luke left)
HAN
Leia...
(She stops...and turns)
I love you.
(She smiles, a tear running down her cheek)
LEIA
I know.
(She turns and Han watches her leave.
When he can no longer see her in the forest he looks up at the Death Star
and then to the shield generator towering in the distance.
He breathes deeply knowing that one way or another...when the sun rises,
he will be a different man with a different life.)
76.5 EXT FOREST
Leia catches up with Luke as he travels alone in the forest.
LEIA
Luke...wait.
LUKE
Leia, I told you. I must face him alone.
Vader doesn’t know you are his daughter.
And he must never know...or he and the Emperor will never stop hunting you.
LEIA
Luke...Vader is our father. OUR father.
If you sense there is good in him...if there is a chance, then I will be by your side to save him.
But if you are wrong, then this would be suicide.
Who knows...maybe it was The Force that brought us together in the first place.
At least if we are together, then we both will have a fighting chance.
At least you won’t be alone.
LUKE
I can’t let you take that risk. You are too important to the rebellion.
LEIA
If our bonds to one another aren’t worth fighting for...dying for,
then I don’t know why we have been struggling all these years.
Luke gazes at her.
An emptiness inside that he hadn’t even realized was there is made whole.
LUKE
Listlessness and darkness have been inside of me for as long as I can remember.
I never really realized that until my time on Degobah.
That’s where I’ve been training. With a great Jedi Master named Yoda.
But he’s gone now.
You would have liked Yoda if you could have known him.
He had a spark that I see in you.
And you being with me...truly makes me feel hope.
We can do this.
Together.
I can feel it.
*****************************************************************
77 EXT FOREST - IMPERIAL LANDING PLATFORM
An Imperial shuttle floats down from the Death Star and lands gracefully on the huge platform.
Now, an Imperial walker approaches the platform from the darkness of the forest. The whole outpost - platform, walkers, military - looks particularly offensive in the midst of this verdant beauty.
78 EXT IMPERIAL LANDING PLATFORM - LOWER DECK 78
Darth Vader walks down the ramp of the shuttle onto the platform, into an elevator,
and appears on a ramp on a lower level.
He walks toward another ramp exit and is met by two troopers and a commander
with Luke and Leia, in binders, at their center. They gaze at Vader with complete calm.
COMMANDER
These rebels surrendered to us.
Although they deny it, I believe there may be more of them,
and I request permission to conduct a further search of the area.
The commander extends his hand, revealing Luke's lightsaber and Leia’s blaster.
COMMANDER
They were armed only with these.
His own hilt is hanging from his belt. He instinctively places his mechanical hand on his own weapon momentarily. Vader looks at Luke and Leia, turns away and faces the commander, taking the weapons from the commander's hand.
VADER
Good work, Commander. Leave us.
Conduct your search and bring their companions to this base.
COMMANDER
Yes, my Lord.
The officer and troops withdraw.
Vader, Leia and Luke are left standing alone in the oddly tranquil beauty of the place.
The sounds of the forest filter in upon them.
VADER
Princess...you will make a fine prize to crown the Emperor’s final victory.
And you, my son...the Emperor has been expecting you.
LUKE
I know, father.
VADER
So, you have accepted the truth.
LUKE
I've accepted the truth that you were once Anakin Skywalker, my father.
VADER (turning to face him)
That name no longer has any meaning for me.
LUKE
It is the name of your true self. You've only forgotten. I know there is good in you.
The Emperor hasn't driven it from you fully. That is why you couldn't destroy me.
That's why you won't bring us to your Emperor now.
Vader looks down from Luke to the weapons in his own black-gloved hands. He seems to ponder Luke's words.
With eyes burning into Leia’s, he crushes the blaster in his fist and drops it to the ground.
VADER
So primitive.
He turns his gaze to Luke. Then, he lifts the lightsaber hilt examining it.
VADER (indicating lightsaber)
I see you have constructed a new lightsaber.
Vader ignites the lightsaber and holds it to examine its humming, brilliant blade.
VADER
Your skills are complete. Indeed, you are powerful, as the Emperor has foreseen.
Your misguided insurrection is at an end.
They stand for a moment, the Vader extinguishes the lightsaber.
LUKE
Come with us.
LEIA
You have to see that enough blood has been spilled.
Your Emperor will never let this war end.
VADER
Obi-Wan once thought as you do.
Vader turns away from them.
VADER
You don't know the power of the dark side. I must obey my master.
LUKE
I will not turn...and you'll be forced to kill us.
VADER
If that is your destiny.
LEIA
Lord Vader...
...Luke feels something in you.
I don’t trust you; maybe I never will.
But I trust him.
And we see a bright future.
LUKE
Search your feelings, father. You can't do this.
I feel the conflict within you.
Let go of your hate.
VADER
(Looking at Leia) Your sacrifice, Princess, regrettably, will be in vain.
(Turning to Luke) It is too late for me, son.
The Emperor will show you the true nature of the Force. He is your master now.
Vader signals to some distant stormtroopers. The three stand staring at one another for a long moment.
Luke takes Leia’s hand with his human hand.
Their eyes briefly meet before he sadly returns his gaze to Vader.
Luke breathes deeply.
LUKE
Then my father is truly dead.
79 EXT ENDOR - BASE OF EWOK VILLAGE
Han and Chewie are moving around the troop of commandos and Ewoks making sure that all the troops and equipment are ready. C-3PO is with Wicket and one of the commandos translating.
Chewbacca pats Han on the back. Chewie growls softly.
HAN
I know, pal. I was just getting to that.
(He steps on a box and raises his voice to get everyone’s attention)
Alright...this is the day we’ve been preparing for.
You all know the plan. You know what we are up against.
And I have faith in each every one of you here.
(C-3PO translates for the Ewoks)
If there are any of you that are not ready for this...now is the time to speak up.
(C-3PO continues translating)
(A lone rebel commandos steps forward.)
REBEL COMMANDO
Sir, we know what must be done, and we are ready to do it.
(All nodding their heads.)
(Upon hearing Threepio’s translation, Wicket quickly responds.)
THREEPIO
Our new friends have indicated that they are quite ready to protect their homes
and expel what they are calling the Metal Beasts.
HAN
Well, you tell them that by the end of this day,
the Metal Beasts will be gone from their homes...
...from all of our homes. Forever.
The rebels cheer and applaud this.
Threepio translates followed by Ewok cheers to rival the rebels.
Wicket says something to Threepio.
THREEPIO
Please pardon his impertinence, sir, but he asks what we are waiting for?
HAN
(He smiles and takes Wicket by the shoulder)
My sentiments exactly. Let’s go!
(Wicket seems to understand this without translation)
Rebels and Ewoks continue to cheer.
HAN
And may the Force be with us
One last cheer invigorates the group.
As the cheering dies down, they resume focusing on the task at hand.
They begin picking up their equipment and marching out of the village.
(He says...a little softer..so only Chewie can hear him)
We’re gonna need all the help we can get.
80 EXT SPACE - REBEL FLEET 80
The vast fleet hangs in space near a blue planet. A giant Rebel Star Cruiser is up at the front, but now the Millennium Falcon roars up to a spot ahead of it, tiny in comparison.
81 INT MILLENNIUM FALCON - COCKPIT 81
Lando is in the pilot seat. R2-D2 is behind Lando in the cockpit.
His alien copilot, NIEN NUNB, takes some getting used to in the familiar environs of the Falcon's cockpit.
Lando speaks into his comlink.
(Artoo whistles that they are in position and the coordinates are set.)
LANDO
Great, Artoo. I’ll signal the fleet.
Admiral, we're in position. All fighters accounted for.
ACKBAR (Voice Over)
Proceed with the countdown. All groups assume attack coordinates.
Lando turns to his co-pilot.
LANDO
Don't worry, our friends are down there. They'll have that shield down on time...
(to himself) or this'll be the shortest offensive of all time.
Artoo whistles his agreement.
ACKBAR (Voice Over)
All craft, prepare to jump to hyperspace on my mark.
LANDO
All right. Stand by.
He pulls a lever, and the stars outside begin to streak.
82 EXT SPACE - REBEL FLEET 82
We are treated to an awesome sight: first the Millennium Falcon, then Ackbar's Star Cruiser, then, in large segments, the huge fleet ROARS INTO HYPERSPACE. And disappears.
83 EXT ENDOR - RIDGE OVERLOOKING CONTROL BUNKER 83
Han, two Rebel Commandos, a Rebel Sniper, Chewbacca, C-3PO,
Wicket, and another Ewok scout, PAPLOO lead the joint rebel/native strike squad.
The entire group is spread through the thick undergrowth.
Below them is the BUNKER that leads into the generator.
Four Imperial scouts, their speeder bikes parked nearby, keep watch over the bunker entrance.
Chewie growls an observation, and Paploo chatters away to Han in Ewok language.
HAN
Well, there’s the back door. Right where their scouts said it would be.
It’s going to be a hell of a lot easier getting in here than at the main entrance.
Wicket and Paploo continue their Ewok conversation.
Rebel Sniper (after peering through his scope):
It's only a few guards. This shouldn't be too much trouble.
HAN
Well, it only takes one to sound the alarm...
(with self-confident grin)...so, we'll do it real quiet-like.
(He breathes deeply and exhales.)
All teams...ready?
The rebel commander nods.
Ok, let’s see what these little guys are made of.
Threepio explains what is going on to Wicket and Paploo. The Ewoks chatter a moment between themselves. Then, Paploo jumps up and scampers into the underbrush.
HAN
Good luck.
84 EXT BUNKER - ENTRANCE 84
Paploo has slipped out of the undergrowth near where the Imperial scouts are lounging. He silently swings his furry ball of a body onto one of the scout's speeder bikes and begins flipping switches at random. Suddenly, the bike's engine fires up with a tremendous ROAR. Paploo grins and continues flipping switches.
The scouts leap up in surprise.
85 EXT RIDGE 85
Han and company watch.
Chewie barks softly.
HAN
I sure hope this works.
86 EXT BUNKER 86
The Imperial scouts race toward Paploo just as his speeder zooms into motion.
Paploo hangs on by his paws and shoots away into the forest.
IMPERIAL SCOUT
Look! Over there! Stop him!
Three of the Imperial scouts jump on their rocket bikes and speed away in pursuit.
The fourth watches them go from his post at the door.
87 EXT RIDGE 87
Han and Chewie exchange delighted looks.
HAN
Not bad for a little furball.
That worked even better than we had planned.
There's only one left.
You stay here. We'll take care of this.
Han and the Wookiee nod at each other and slip down toward the bunker.
Threepio moves to stand next to Wicket.
88 EXT FOREST 88
Paploo sails through the trees, more lucky than in control. It's scary, but he loves it. When the Imperial scouts pull within sight behind him and begin firing laser bolts, he decides he's had enough. As he rounds a tree, out of their sight, Paploo grabs a vine and swings up into the trees. A moment later, the scouts tear under him in pursuit of the still-flying, unoccupied bike.
89 EXT BUNKER 89
Han sneaks up behind the remaining Imperial scout, taps him on the shoulder and lets the scout chase him behind the bunker into the arms of the waiting Rebel strike team. Han returns to the front, and taps out a pattern on the bunker door's control panel.
Everyone stands out of sight, police-style, as the door opens. Han and Chewie peek inside. No sign of life. The group enters the bunker silently, leaving one lookout behind.
90 INT DEATH STAR - EMPEROR'S THRONE ROOM 90
The elevator opens. Vader and Luke enter the room alone.
They walk across the dark space to stand before the throne,
father, daughter and son side by side beneath the gaze of the Emperor.
To the left of the Emperor, floating in a display case, is Obi-wan Kenobi’s lightsaber hilt. It had been a gift to the Emperor in honor of the destruction of the last of the Jedi. An empty display case is to the Emperor’s right.
Vader bows to his Master.
EMPEROR
Welcome, young Skywalker. I have been expecting you.
And Princess, what a pleasant...surprise.
Luke and Leia peers at the hooded figure defiantly. The Emperor then looks down at their binders.
EMPEROR
You no longer need those.
The Emperor motions ever so slightly with his finger and their binders fall away, clattering to the floor they look down at their own hands, free now to reach out and grab the Emperor's neck.
They do nothing.
EMPEROR
Guards, leave us.
The red-cloaked guards turn and disappear behind the elevator.
EMPEROR (to Luke)
I'm looking forward to completing your training. In time, you will call me Master.
LUKE
You're gravely mistaken. You won't convert me as you did my father.
The Emperor gets down from his throne and walks up very close to Luke. The Emperor looks into his eyes and, for the first time, Luke can perceive the evil visage within the hood.
EMPEROR
Oh, no, my young Jedi. You will find that it is you who are mistaken...about a great many things.
When you strike down the leader of the Rebellion with your own hands,
you shall be making a statement to the entire galaxy that my new order can never be defeated.
VADER
His lightsaber.
Vader extends a gloved hand toward the Emperor, revealing Luke's lightsaber. The Emperor takes it.
EMPEROR
Ah, yes, a Jedi's weapon. Much like your father's.
By now you must know your father can never be turned from the dark side.
So will it be with you.
LUKE
You're wrong. Soon, I'll be dead...and you with me.
LEIA
The galaxy will no longer cower in fear of your petty retributions.
Your Empire is ready to collapse under the weight of its own might and your hubris.
The Emperor laughs.
From across the room, Vader waves his hand and the display case opens as the Emperor approaches it.
The Emperor places the lightsaber hilt in it’s place in the display case to the right. He closes it with a satisfying click and a hiss (the same his as when Vader’s helmet was sealed in The Empire Strikes Back).
EMPEROR
(He starts speaking and continues as he turns and slowly walks back to his chair.)
Perhaps you refer to the imminent attack of your Rebel fleet.
Luke and Leia look up sharply.
EMPEROR
(He arrives at his chair and turns to them. As he sits back down with his back to the viewing window, he says...)
Yes...I assure you we are quite safe from your friends here.
Luke and Leia give nervous looks to each other. Then, she nods at him. She is indicating that they will get through this...together. Luke, breathes deeply and looks back at the Emperor.
LUKE
Your overconfidence is your weakness.
EMPEROR
And your faith in your friends is yours.
VADER
It is pointless to resist, my son.
The Emperor turns to face Luke.
EMPEROR (angry)
Everything that has transpired has done so according to my design. (indicates Endor)
Your friends up there on the Sanctuary Moon...
Luke reacts. The Emperor notes it.
EMPEROR (cont)
...are walking into a trap. As is your Rebel fleet!
It was I who allowed the Alliance to know the location of the shield generator.
It is quite safe from your pitiful little band.
An entire legion of my best troops awaits them.
Luke's look darts from the Emperor to Vader and, finally, to the ihilt in the Emperor's display case.
EMPEROR
Oh...I'm afraid the deflector shield will be quite operational when your friends arrive.
91 INT BUNKER - MAIN CONTROL ROOM 91
Han, Leia, Chewie and the Rebel strike team storm through a door and enter the main control room, taking all of the personnel prisoner.
HAN
All right! Up! Move! Come on! Quickly! Quickly, Chewie.
The Rebel troops herd the generator controllers away from their panels.
Han receives a signal from his earpiece.
C-3PO (Voice over)
Sir, please hurry! The fleet will be here any moment.
HAN
(His finger to his ear activating the communicator) I know, I know!
(to the troops)
Charges! Come on, come on!
Outside, Threepio watches nervously in the bushes
as several more controllers and stormtroopers run into the bunker, leaving guards at the door.
Steaming charred marks are seen around the bunker...evidence that the rebel guards have been disintegrated. The stormtroopers are followed by Boba Fett, seen from the rear disappearing into the dark halls of the bunker.
THREEPIO
Oh, my! They'll be captured!
(To Wicket in Ewokese: He tells Wicket to signal the second wave):
Wicket chatters in Ewok language, and then takes off full steam into the forest.
THREEPIO
Oh, do hurry.
Inside the bunker, Han looks up from setting charges as an Imperial commander enters.
COMMANDER
Freeze! You Rebel scum.
Han and Chewie spin, to find dozens of Imperial weapons trained on them and their cohorts. A poised force of Imperial troops surround them. Even more pour into the room, roughly is arming the Rebel contingent. Han and Chewie exchange looks.
Han starts to reach for his sidearm, but stops suddenly when blast bolts sail to his side.
Two of the rebel commandos disintegrate. Han sees Fett with both blasters now aimed directly at him;
smoke slowly wafting up from the barrels.
Han raises his hands shaking his head, defeated. They're helpless.
92 EXT SPACE - ENDOR, DEATH STAR, REBEL FLEET 92
The Death Star and its Sanctuary Moon hang distant in space
as the Rebel fleet comes out of hyperspace with an awesome roar.
The Millennium Falcon and several Rebel fighters are at the front
as the space armada bears down on its target.
93 INT MILLENNIUM FALCON - COCKPIT 93
Lando flips switches, checks his screen, and speaks into the radio.
LANDO
All wings report in.
WEDGE
Red Leader standing by.
GRAY LEADER
Gray Leader standing by.
GREEN LEADER
Green Leader standing by.
WEDGE
Lock S-foils in attack positions.
94 INT REBEL STAR CRUISER - BRIDGE 94
From the bridge of the Rebel Headquarters Frigate,
Admiral Ackbar watches the fighters massing outside his viewscreen.
ACKBAR
May the Force be with us.
95 INT MILLENNIUM FALCON - COCKPIT 95
Artoo whistles reporting that there is no reading on the shield.
LANDO
We've got to be able to get some kind of a reading on that shield, up or down.
Artoo whistles reporting that they are being jammed.
Well, how could they be jamming us if they don't know if we're coming.
Lando shoots a concerned look out at the approaching Death Star
as the implications of what he's just said sink in.
He hits a switch on his comlink.
LANDO
Break off the attack! The shield is still up.
RED LEADER (Voice Over)
I get no reading. Are you sure?
LANDO
Pull up! All craft pull up!
The Falcon turns hard to the left. Out the window the stars and the Death Star move off right.
96 EXT SPACE - DEATH STAR SHIELD 96
The Falcon and the fighters of Red Squad veer off desperately to avoid the unseen wall.
97 INT REBEL STAR CRUISER - BRIDGE 97
Alarms are screaming and lights flashing as the huge ship changes course abruptly. Other ships in the fleet shoot by outside as the armada tries to halt its forward momentum.
ACKBAR
Take evasive action! Green Group, stick close to holding sector MV-7.
A Mon Calamari controller turns away from his screen and calls out to Ackbar, quite excited. The Admiral rushes over to the controller.
CONTROLLER
Admiral, we have enemy ships in sector 47.
On the screen can be seen the moon, Death Star, and the massive Imperial fleet.
Ackbar moves to the comlink.
ACKBAR
It's a trap!
LANDO (over comlink)
Fighters coming in.
There is much excitement on the bridge as the attack begins.
The Millennium Falcon and several squads of Rebel fighters head into an armada of TIE fighters. The sky explodes as a fierce dogfight ensues in and around the giant Rebel cruisers.
REBEL PILOT
There's too many of them!
LANDO
Accelerate to attack speed! Draw their fire away from the cruisers.
WEDGE
Copy, Gold Leader.
The battle continues around the giant cruisers.
98 INT DEATH STAR - EMPEROR'S THRONE ROOM 98
Through the round window behind the Emperor's throne can be seen
he distant flashes of the space battle in progress.
EMPEROR
Come. See for yourself.
The Emperor is sitting in his throne, with Vader standing at his side.
Leia moves to look through a small section of the window.
LEIA
Han...
Luke stands motionless...his heated gaze is piercing Vader’s mask, their eyes locked.
EMPEROR
From here you will witness the final destruction of the Alliance,
and the end of your insignificant Rebellion.
Luke is in torment. He glances at his lightsaber sitting on the armrest of the throne.
The Emperor watches him and smiles, touches the lightsaber.
EMPEROR
You want this, don't you? The hate is swelling in you now. Take your Jedi weapon. Use it.
I am unarmed. Strike me down with it. Give in to your anger.
With each passing moment, you make yourself more my servant.
Vader watches Luke in his agony.
Luke looks at Leia for comfort. She is still gazing at the planet and the explosions in space. She turns and meets Luke’s eyes. She is trembling. Her eyes look blank.
Luke is even more determined to stand his ground.
LUKE
No!
EMPEROR
It is unavoidable. It is your destiny.
You, like your father, are now mine!
99 EXT FOREST - GENERATOR BUNKER 99
Han, Chewie, and the rest of the strike team are led out of the bunker by their captors, with the Imperial Commander leading the way. Fett follows with blasters still raised. The surrounding area, deserted before, is now crowded with two-legged Imperial walkers and hundreds of Imperial troops. The situation looks hopeless.
STORMTROOPER
All right, move it! I said move it! Go on!
IMPERIAL COMMANDER
(To Boba Fett)
The Empire thanks you for the intel you provided of the plans of these rebels.
And with your target presented alive, as requested, the Empire’s debt to you is paid.
FETT
(To Han) Solo...my greatest prey.
You deserve a warrior’s death.
I will honor you with one.
SOLO
Don’t you worry about what I deserve.
I’m happy living without honor.
(Han winks)
FETT
You and I both know that’s not true.
From the undergrowth beyond the clearing, Threepio is watching with the Rebel Commando.
REBEL COMMANDO (To Threepio)
OK...tell him to give the signal.
In Ewok language, Threepio give this instruction to Wicket.
Wicket gives an animal call.
Fett tosses Solo a side arm. Han picks it up.
HAN
A fighting chance, huh?
Fett nods
FETT
A fighting chance.
HAN
I can live with that.
FETT
That is to be determined.
The warriors stand face to face both ready to draw.
In a nearby tree, an Ewok raises a horn to his lips and sounds the EWOK ATTACK CALL.
All hell breaks loose as hundreds of Ewoks throw their fuzzy bodies into the fray against the assembled stormtroopers and their awesome two-legged walkers. Biker scouts dart about blasting Ewoks, only to be crushed by a volley of rocks tossed by Ewoks from the trees above. Laser blasts fill the air from awaiting Rebel commandos.
The Imperial Commander retreats back into the safety of the bunker. The blast doors close behind him.
In the confusion of the battle, Han and Chewie break away and dive for the cover of the bunker door as explosions erupt around them; Han firing with Fett’s weapon clearing the way to cover. Each blast from Fett’s weapon results in a disintegration, like a Star Trek phaser on kill. Han and Chewie go to the bunker door control panel.
Boba Fett takes to the sky to get a better vantage point. His targeting visor lowers and he starts picking off both Ewoks and Rebel Commandos.
HAN
Chewie, can you hotwire this thing?
Chewie growls that his isn’t sure.
HAN
C’mon. We’ve gotten into places more heavily guarded than this.
Chewie growls his concurrence. Chewie rips off the cover and starts digging into the wires.
HAN (Into comm)
Commander, get down here...we need some cover fire.
Cut to brush area with two rebel commandos and Threepio
REBEL COMMANDO
(Into comm) Yes, sir. We’re on our way.
(To the other commando and Threepio) OK...you two. Let’s move.
THREEPIO
Move? Down there?
(On the move)
REBEL COMMANDO
REBEL COMMANDO
Well, you could stay here...unguarded.
THREEPIO
I see your point. (He quickly follows.) Wait for me!!
The two commandos roll their eyes at each other. All three move toward the bunker.
Biker scouts race around and over the area, blasting away at the little Ewoks as the furries scurry for cover.
A group of Ewoks have moved a primitive catapult into position. They fire off a large boulder that hits one of the walkers. The walker turns and heads for the catapult, blasting away with both guns. The Ewoks abandon their weapons and flee in all directions. Just as the walker moves in to stomp the catapult, Ewoks drop vines restraining two huge logs that swing down and smash the walker's head flat.
A line of Ewoks hang desperately to a vine that is hooked to a walker's foot.
As the walker moves along, the fuzzy creatures are dragged behind.
Two speeder bikes chase Ewoks through the underbrush.
As the scouts round a tree, they are knocked off their bikes by a vine tied between two trees.
100 EXT SPACE 100
The Falcon and other Rebel fighters are engaged in a ferocious combat with Imperial TIE fighters,
the battle raging around the cruisers of the Rebel armada.
101 INT MILLENNIUM FALCON - COCKPIT 101
Lando is in radio communication with the pilots of the other Rebel squads.
LANDO
Watch yourself, Wedge! Three from above!
WEDGE
Red Three, Red Two, pull in!
RED TWO
Got it!
RED THREE
Three of them coming in, twenty degrees!
WEDGE
Cut to the left! I'll take the leader!
They're heading for the medical frigate.
Lando steers the Falcon through a complete flip, as his crew fires at the TIEs from the belly guns.
Artoo whistles an analysis of the attack
LANDO
What do you mean only the fighters are attacking?
I wonder what those Star Destroyers are waiting for.
102 EXT SPACE - IMPERIAL FLEET 102
The giant Imperial Star Destroyer waits silently some distance from the battle. The Emperor's huge Super Star Destroyer rests in the middle of the fleet.
103 INT SUPER STAR DESTROYER - BRIDGE 103
Admiral Piett and two fleet commanders watch the battle at the huge window of the Super Star Destroyer bridge.
COMMANDER
We're in attack position now, sir.
PIETT
Hold here.
COMMANDER
We're not going to attack?
PIETT
I have my orders from the Emperor himself.
He has something special planned for them.
We only need to keep them from escaping.
104 INT EMPEROR'S TOWER - THRONE ROOM 104
The Emperor, Vader, and a horrified Luke and Leia watch the aerial battle fireworks out the window and on the viewscreens. Another Rebel ship explodes against the protective shield.
EMPEROR
As you can see, my young friends, your little insurrection has failed.
Now, witness the firepower of this fully armed and operational battle station.
(into comlink) Fire at will, Commander.
Luke and Leia, in shock, looks out across the surface of the Death Star
to the Rebel fleet beyond and the planet below.
105 INT DEATH STAR - CONTROL ROOM 105
Controllers pull back on several switches. Commander Jerjerrod stands over them.
JERJERROD
Fire!
106 INT DEATH STAR - BLAST CHAMBER 106
A button is pressed, which switches on a panel of lights.
A hooded Imperial soldier reaches overhead and pulls a lever.
A huge beam of light emanates from a long shaft.
Two stormtroopers stand to one side at a control panel.
107 EXT DEATH STAR 107
The giant laser dish on the completed half of the Death Star begins to glow;
Then a powerful beams shoots out toward the aerial battle.
108 EXT SPACE - AIR BATTLE 108
The air is thick with giant ships. In among them, Rebel X-wings dogfight with Imperial TIE fighters. Now an enormous Rebel cruiser is hit by the Death Star beam and is blown to dust.
The Millennium Falcon roars over CAMERA, followed closely by several TIE fighters.
109 INT MILLENNIUM FALCON - COCKPIT 109
The ship is buffeted by the tremendous explosion of the Rebel cruiser. Lando and his copilot are stunned by the sight of the Death Star firepower.
LANDO
That blast came from the Death Star! That thing's operational! (into comlink)
Home One, this is Gold Leader.
110 INT REBEL STAR CRUISER - BRIDGE 110
Ackbar stands amid the confusion on the wide bridge and speaks into the comlink.
ACKBAR
We saw it. All craft prepare to retreat.
LANDO
You won't get another chance at this, Admiral.
ACKBAR
We have no choice, General Calrissian.
Our cruisers can't repel firepower of that magnitude.
LANDO
Han will have that shield down. We've got to give him more time.
111 EXT FOREST - GENERATOR BUNKER 111
Han and Chewie works furiously at the control panel; wires spark as they attempt to hotwire the door. Two rebel commandos are laying down cover fire, blasting away at some stormtroopers. Threepio is trying to stay as close to cover as he can get.
HAN
I’ve got it. I’ve got it!
The three wires spark as the connection is made.
With a LOUD WHOOSH, a second blast door crashes down in front of the first.
Han frowns. He and Chewie exchange glances. Han nods his head as if to say, at least we tried.
Han looks up at the massive transmitter and then out to the battlefield and notices one of the AT-ST walkers.
HAN
I think I have an idea.
You two...stay here. Lay down cover fire. Try to keep this area clear, if you can.
Chewie, follow me!
Han and Chewie rush off into the woods leaving the commandos and Threepio behind.
INT - BUNKER CONTROL ROOM
Imperial commander storms into control room
IMPERIAL COMMANDER
Report!
IMPERIAL TACTICAL OFFICER
Sir, the rebels seem to have enhanced their forces with some of the indigenous population. They took us by surprise, but they are no match for the forces you have assembled. It won’t take long to push them back.
IMPERIAL COMMANDER
I know they are no match, you idiot! Just make sure that transmitter stays operational.
The Emperor will have us all killed or worse if those rebels succeed.
And when this is over, I will find where those pathetic creatures live and wipe them out. All of them.
EXT FOREST - OUTSIDE SHIELD BUNKER
Ewoks in handmade, primitive hang-gliders drop rocks onto the stormtroopers, dive-bombing their deadly adversaries. One is hit in the wing with laser fire and crashes. A walker lumbers forward, shooting laser blasts at frantic Ewoks running in all directions. Two Ewoks are struck down by laser blasts. One tries to awaken his friend, then realizes that he is dead.
112 EXT SPACE - DEATH STAR 112
The Rebel fleet continues to be picked off, from one side by the Death Star's deadly beam, from the other by the rampaging Imperial Star Destroyers.
113 INT MILLENNIUM FALCON - COCKPIT 113
Lando steers the Falcon wildly through an obstacle course of floating giants. He's been yelling into the comlink.
LANDO (desperately)
Yes! I said closer! Move as close as you can and engage those Star Destroyers at point-blank range.
ACKBAR
At that close range, we won't last long against those Star Destroyers.
LANDO
We'll last longer then we will against that Death Star...and we might just take a few of them with us.
The Rebel cruisers move very close to the Imperial Star Destroyers and begin to blast away at point-blank range. Tiny fighters race across the giant surfaces, against a backdrop of laser fire.
The control tower of a Star Destroyer is under attack.
REBEL PILOT
She's gonna blow!
Y-WING PILOT
I'm hit!
The damaged Y-wing plummets toward the Star Destroyer, and crashes into the control tower, exploding.
114 INT EMPEROR'S TOWER - THRONE ROOM 114
Out of the window and on the view screens, the Rebel fleet is being decimated in blinding explosions of light and debris. But in here there is no sound of battle. The Emperor turns to Luke.
EMPEROR
Your fleet has lost. And your friends on the Endor moon will not survive. There is no escape, my young apprentice. The Alliance will die...as will your friends.
Luke's eyes are full of rage. Vader watches him.
EMPEROR
Good. I can feel your anger.
(he turns towards Leia, still gazing at the battle out of the window.)
In...both of you.
He smiles sinisterly to himself as he realizes that she is Vader’s daughter.
He looks back to Vader and then back to Luke.
I am defenseless. Take your weapon! Strike me down with all your hatred,
and your journey towards the dark side will be complete.
Luke looks over at Leia and back to the Emperor. He knows that if he does not act, she will die in front of his eyes. He thinks of his friends dying. He thinks of his aunt and uncle. The people of the Galaxy. He thinks of this twisted man and what he did to his father.
In an instant, he realizes that as passionate as Leia is, she isn’t trained for this. Not ready. It is up to him. He has to act now. Act swifty. He can resist no longer.
The lightsaber hilt burts through the glass of the case and flies into his hand. He ignites the green blade in an instant and swings at the Emperor. Vader's blood red lightsaber flashes into view, blocking Luke's blow before it can reach the Emperor. The two blades spark at contact. Luke turns to fight his father.
115 EXT FOREST 115
The battle rages on. Stormtroopers fire on Ewoks with sophisticated weapons while their furry little adversaries sneak up behind the Imperial troopers and bash them over the head with large clubs.
A walker marches through the undergrowth blasting Ewoks as it goes. An Ewok warrior gives the signal, and a pile of logs is cut loose. The logs tumble under the walker's feet, causing it to slip and slide until it finally topples over with a great crash.
A scout bike races past and is lassoed with a heavy vine. The other end of the vine is tied to a tree, and the bike swings around in ever-tightening circles until it runs out of rope and crashes into the trees with a huge explosion.
Chewie swings on a vine to the roof of one of the walkers. Two Ewoks cling to him. They land with a thud on the top of the lurching machine, then hang on for dear life. One of the Ewoks peeks through the window.
WALKER PILOT #1
Look!
PILOT #2
Get him off of there!
The walker pilot opens the hatch to see what's going on. He is yanked out and tossed overboard before he can scream. The two Ewoks jump into the cockpit and knock the second pilot unconscious. The Ewoks are thrown violently as the mighty machine careens out of control. Outside, Chewie is almost knocked overboard; he sticks his head into the hatch with a series of angry barks. The Ewoks are too busy and frightened to listen to
the Wookiee's complaint.
Chewie fires a bolt to the branch the rope was on. Holding the end of the rope, the other end falls to the ground. Han runs to the base and begins climbing up. Chewie slips inside the walker. The walker starts moving with Han still climbing.
Chewbacca's walker moves through the forest, firing laser blasts at unsuspecting stormtroopers, and destroying other Imperial walkers. Han reaches the top of the walker and slips inside, also. The Ewoks shout and cheer as the giant machine helps turn the tide of the battle in their favor.
HAN
Okay...head for that bunker!
Chewie growls and the machine turns direction and lumbers towards the shield generator.
117 INT EMPEROR'S TOWER - THRONE ROOM 117
Luke and Vader are engaged in a man-to-man duel of lightsabers even more vicious then the battle on Bespin. But the young Jedi has grown stronger in the interim, and now the advantage shifts to him.
Leia feels helpless and wants to fight, but knows she isn’t trained for this.
She walks away from the window. She is at the Emperor’s side watching the melee.
She walks away from the window. She is at the Emperor’s side watching the melee.
Vader is forced back, losing his balance, and is knocked down the stairs. Luke stands at the top of the stairs, ready to attack.
EMPEROR (laughing)
Good. Use your aggressive feelings, boy! Let the hate flow through you.
Luke looks momentarily toward the Emperor, then back to Vader, and realizes he is using the dark side. He steps back, turns off his lightsaber, and relaxes, driving the hate from his being.
VADER
Obi-Wan has taught you well.
LUKE
I will not fight you, father.
Vader walks back up the stairs to Luke.
VADER
You are unwise to lower your defenses.
Vader attacks. Luke instinctively leaps into the air. Before he can strike his retreating son, his fiery red saber is blocked by a pure blue blade that he has not seen since his time on the first Death Star.
He stares into Leia’s eyes and sees his long-gone Padme.
He instantly realizes that she is his daughter. Vader’s mind swims with confusion.
He steps back, his red blade facing upwards.
Leia holds the hilt with both hands, blue blade aimed directly at his chest.
VADER
You?
LEIA
Yes, father. Me.
VADER
I have failed to teach you both, then.
Your brother is a fool. And so are you.
Your brother is a fool. And so are you.
She lunges and Vader and Leia parry back and forth briefly.
His skill and strength is immediately too much for her. She is passionate, but lacks the training for this.
He strikes down on her blade with such a strong impact that it flies from her hand (which remains attached to her arm). The hilt crashes with a clunk by her feet and she falls to the floor leaving her in a weak heap.
Luke rises to his feet and gazes at the scene below. A calmness remains on his face and he stands defiantly with the unlit hilt at his side.
LUKE
Your thoughts betray you, father.
Even as you cling to your anger, I feel the good in you...the conflict.
VADER
There is no conflict.
LUKE
You couldn't bring yourself to kill me before, and I don't believe you'll destroy her now.
VADER
You underestimate the power of the dark side. If you will not fight, then you will meet your destiny.
Vader tosses his lit lightsaber and it cuts through the supports holding the catwalk.
It then returns to Vader's hand.
Leia slowly lifts her head to watch Luke tumble to the ground in a shower of sparks and rolls out of sight under the Emperor's platform. Vader moves to find him.
EMPEROR (laughs)
Good. Good.
118 EXT SPACE - AIR BATTLE 118
The two armadas, like their sea-bound ancestors, blast away at each other in individual point-blank confrontations. A Star Destroyer explodes. The Rebel victor limps away, its back half alive with a series of minor explosions. The Rebel cruiser manages to move in next to a second Star Destroyer before it explodes completely, taking the Imperial Star Destroyer with it.
The Falcon and several fighters attack one of the larger Imperial ships.
LANDO
Watch out. Squad at .06.
REBEL PILOT
I'm on it, Gold Leader.
WEDGE
Good shot, Red Two.
LANDO
Now...come on, Han, old buddy. Don't let me down.
The Falcon rocks with a blast.
FALCON GUNNER (Voice-Over)
Sir, that blast knocked the top quad laser turret pretty badly. We’re venting atmosphere up here.
LANDO
Well, get out of there and seal the compartment. We’ll target those cannons remotely.
Artoo tap into those systems and see what you can do.
Artoo whistles as if to say, “I’m on it!”
120 EXT FOREST - GENERATOR BUNKER 120
The commandeered AT-ST walker arrives at the bunker and starts blasting holes in the the roof of the structure. Imperial stormtrooper sharpshooters on the roof shoot at the moving turret and then dive for cover. Some are blasted away with the onslaught from the walkers main guns.
INT - BUNKER CONTROL ROOM
Hallways are shown shaking with the explosions. A blast hole in ceiling of control drops large chunks of debris blocking doors trapping the Imperial Commander inside.
EXT FOREST - SHIELD BUNKER
Cut to Boba Fett still shooting into the brush. He turns his head with the sound of the explosions on the roof.
BOBA FETT
Solo.
Cut to a long shot from behind Fett as he starts flying towards the bunker.
He fires his back-pack missile hitting the walker just below the turret,
destroying one of the legs and hurtling the cockpit and the remaining leg onto the roof.
It grinds to a halt on its side with the remaining leg hanging over the side.
The door to the cockpit opens with a swift kick from Chewie
and the two gunslinging, scoundrels leap out blasters blazing.
Chewie grabs one by the arm and tosses him over the edge of the roof.
You hear the Whilhelm scream as they fall. Chewie looks at the now-severed trooper's arm in his grip and tosses it over the side
Fett starts shooting at them from his closing distance,
but has trouble getting a fix on the two moving targets through all of the smoke and choas.
Han starts running with the bag of charges and starts throwing them down the holes in the roof made by the walkers guns. Chewie turns when he sees the blaster bolts coming from above. He sees that Han needs some time to finish delivering in the charges.
With Fett moving in closer, Chewie quickly turns, jumps onto the fallen cockpit, runs to the end of the leg and leaps into the air, meeting the Bounty Hunter mid-air...the two start spiraling chaotically.
Han throws the last of the charges with the bag, and turn around to see Chewbacca and Fett spiralling and falling slowly. The last thing he sees before they sink beneath the surface of the roof out of his view is Chewbacca ripping off Fett’s helmet clawing marks in his face and tossing the helmet into the air. While this is happening Fett pulls out a vibro-dagger from his belt and stabs Chewbacca is the side.
HAN
Nooooooooo!!!
Nooooooooo!!!
As they disappear from view, Han can hear Chewie’s roar as he runs to the edge of the bunker roof.
122 INT EMPEROR'S TOWER - THRONE ROOM 122
Vader stalks the low-ceilinged area on the level below the throne, searching for Luke in the semi-darkness, his lightsaber held ready.
VADER
You cannot hide forever, Luke.
LUKE
I will not fight you.
VADER
Give yourself to the dark side.
It is the only way you can save your friends.
It is the only way you can save your sister.
Yes, your thoughts betray you. Your feelings for them are strong.
Luke shuts his eyes tightly, in anguish.
Vader reaches for Leia and lifted by the Force, she slowly floats helpless above the ground.
Her hands claw at her throat as she gasps for air, her breathing heavy and strained.
VADER (continues)
And now your feelings have now betrayed her, too.
Obi-Wan was wise to hide her from me.
Now his failure is complete. If you will not turn to the dark side...
...then perhaps she will.
LUKE
Never-r-r!
Luke ignites his lightsaber and screams in anger, rushing at his father with a frenzy we have not seen before. Vader turns quickly to his rampaging offspring.
With Vader distracted, Leia drops again to the floor gasping for breath.
Sparks fly as Luke and Vader fight in the cramped area. Luke's hatred forces Vader to retreat out of the low area and across a bridge overlooking a vast elevator shaft. Each stroke of Luke's sword drives his father further toward defeat.
The Dark Lord is knocked to his knees, and as he raises his sword to block another onslaught, Luke slashes Vader's right hand off at the wrist, causing metal and electronic parts to fly from the mechanical stump. Vader's sword clatters uselessly away, over the edge of the platform and into the bottomless shaft below.
Luke moves over Vader and holds the blade of his sword to the Dark Lord's throat.
The Emperor watches with uncontrollable, pleased agitation.
EMPEROR
Good! Your hate has made you powerful. Now, fulfill your destiny and take your father's place at my side!
Luke rises his green lightsaber over his head and strikes down at the Dark Lord’s throat, but a familiar blue blade stops the blow before it can land.
Leia holds her brother at bay, as they stare into each other’s eyes. He sees in her eyes that he has gone too far. Luke has broken through his rage and has begun to calm down. Luke looks at his father's mechanical hand, then to his own mechanical, black-gloved hand, and realizes how much he is becoming like his father. He makes the decision for which he has spent a lifetime in preparation.
Luke and Leia step back. Their eyes meet, and they both nod knowing what to do.
They hurl their lightsabers away.
They hurl their lightsabers away.
LUKE
Never! We'll never turn to the dark side. You've failed, Your Highness.
They stand hand-in-hand.
LEIA
We are Jedi, like our father before us.
The Emperor's glee turns to rage.
EMPEROR
So be it...Jedi.
123 EXT FOREST - GENERATOR BUNKER 123
Han reaches the top of the roof and looks down to see Chewie and Fett on the ground. Fett is slowly rising to his feet. Chewie is holding his side, growling softly.
Fett looks up to see Solo
FETT
I think we’ll have to finish this another time, Solo.
HAN
Like hell we will!
Han leaps on a passing speeder bike, and throws the Scout-trooper off and swoops back around to head back to the clearing. He fires the bike’s blasters at the Bounty Hunter, who seeing the danger, blasts off into the forest.
We see Threepio and a Rebel medic emerging from the brush and begins to tend to Chewbacca’s wounds.
Chewbacca growls asking Threepio for the remote detonator.
THREEPIO
Of course.
He looks around and sees it nearby.
Here is the remote detonator.
Chewbacca initiates the charges and the roof of the bunker blow and the transmitter crashes down into the forest.
Solo and Fett loop back towards the clearing as the blast wave knocks Solo off the speeder bike and sends Fett careering into the woods.
124 INT REBEL STAR CRUISER - BRIDGE 124
Ackbar, sitting in his control chair, speaks into the radio.
ACKBAR
The shield is down! Commence attack on the Death Star's main reactor.
LANDO
We're on our way. Red Group, Gold Group, all fighters follow me. (laughs) Told you they'd do it!
Artoo whistles as if to say, “Woo hoo!”
The Falcon, followed by several smaller Rebel fighters, heads toward the unfinished superstructure of the Death Star.
125 INT EMPEROR'S TOWER - THRONE ROOM 125
Luke and Leia stand still, as the Emperor reaches the bottom of the stairs. The Emperor's laughter has turned to anger. He raises his arms toward the twins.
EMPEROR
If you will not be turned, you will be destroyed.
Blinding bolts of energy, evil lightning, shoot from the Emperor's hands at Luke and Leia. At first they are half successful resisting the pain, but after a moment the bolts of energy are coming with such speed and power the twins shrink before him, their knees buckling. The electricity makes them clench their muscles, their hands squeezing together, they writhe on the floor together.
The wounded Vader struggles to his feet, and moves to stand at his master's side.
EMPEROR
Young fools...only now, at the end, do you understand.
This pause in the flow allows the siblings to release their hands. But they still can not rise. They are almost unconscious beneath the continuing assault of the Emperor's lightning. He clutches a canister to keep from falling into the bottomless shaft as the bolts tear through him.
EMPEROR
Your feeble skills are no match for the power of the dark side.
You have paid the price for your lack of vision.
Luke and Leia continue to writhe on the floor in unbearable pain, reaching weakly up toward where Vader stands watching.
LUKE (groans)
Father, please.
LEIA
Help us.
Again Vader stands, watching his children. He looks at his master, the Emperor, then back to Luke on the floor.
EMPEROR
Now, young ones...
you will die.
Although it would not have seemed possible, the outpouring of bolts from the Emperor's fingers actually increases in intensity, the sound screaming through the room. Luke and Leia's bodies continue to writhe in pain. Now the only sounds they can make are screams of agony.
Vader grabs the Emperor from behind, fighting for control of the robed figure despite the Dark Lord's weakened body and gravely weakened arm. The Emperor struggles in his embrace, his bolt- shooting hands now lifted high, away from his children. Now the blue lightning arcs back to strike at Vader. He stumbles with his load as the sparks rain off his helmet and flow down over his black cape. He holds his evil master high over his head and walks to the edge of the abyss at the central core of the throne room. With one final burst of his once awesome strength, Darth Vader hurls the Emperor's body into the bottomless shaft. He says nothing during this action. It is a strong silent sort of a moment. Very moving.
The Emperor's body spins helplessly into the void, arcing as it falls into the abyss. Finally, when the body is far down the shaft, it explodes, creating a rush of air through the room. Vader's cape is whipped by the wind and he staggers, and collapses toward the bottomless hole. Luke crawls to his father's side and pulls him away from the edge of the abyss to safety. He pulls Vader to Leia’s side. All are too weak to move.
EXT FOREST - SHIELD BUNKER
Fett is spinning in the air to keep an eye on the trees and to fire back at his pursuer.
Fett crashes to the ground and rolls and immediately once he reaches his feet, Solo reaches him and punches him Fett in the face. The two battle hand to hand, trading punches and kicks. Fett’s blaster gets knocked to the ground. Fett finally knocks Solo to the ground and pulls out his vibroblade, still stained his the Wookie’s blood.
As he dives at Solo, Han aims one last time with Fett’s own blaster and hits him square in the chest. He sails over Solo and crashes into the forest floor as his body disintegrates from the blast. As the smoke clears from the charred mess on the forest floor, visible to the audience will be Fett’s empty helmet laying on its side.
Solo looks over and sees Chewbacca sitting up with a bandage around his waist, his arm in a sling. Threepio is tending to Chewbacca’s wounds.
126 EXT/INT - SPACE BATTLE - FIGHTER AND DEATH STAR 126
Rebel fighters follow the Falcon across the surface of the Death Star to the unfinished portion, where they dive into the super- structure of the giant battle station, followed by many TIE fighters.
WEDGE
I'm going in.
LANDO
Here goes nothing.
Three X-wings lead the chase through the ever-narrowing shaft, followed by the Falcon and four other fighters, plus TIE fighters who continually fire at the Rebels. Lights reflect off the pilot's faces as they race through the dark shaft.
LANDO
Artoo, lock us onto the strongest power source. It should be the power generator.
And then get back to keeping those fighters off our tail.
WEDGE
Form up. And stay alert. We could run out of space real fast.
The fighters and the Falcon race through the tunnel, still pursued by the TIE fighters. One of the X-wings is hit from behind and explodes.
LANDO
Split up and head back to the surface. See if you can get a few of those TIE fighters to follow you.
PILOT
Copy, Gold Leader.
The Rebel ships peel off pursued by three of the TIE's, while Lando and Wedge continue through the main tunnel. It narrows, and the Falcon scrapes the side dangerously. Two other TIE fighters continue to blast away at them.
LANDO
That was too close.
Nien Nunb agrees. The battle between the Rebel and Imperial fleet rages on. Several cruisers fire at the giant Super Star Destroyer.
127 INT REBEL STAR CRUISER - BRIDGE 127
ACKBAR
We've got to give those fighters more time.
Concentrate all fire on that Super Star Destroyer.
X-wings pilots head across the surface of the huge battleship.
128 INT VADER'S STAR DESTROYER - BRIDGE 128
Admiral Piett and a commander stand at the window, looking out to the battle. They look concerned.
CONTROLLER
Sir, we've lost our bridge deflector shield.
PIETT
Intensify the forward batteries. I don't want anything to get through.
The commander is looking out of the window where a damaged Rebel fighter is out of control and heading directly toward the bridge.
PIETT
Intensify forward firepower!
COMMANDER
It's too late!
The Rebel pilot screams as his ship hits the Star Destroyer, causing a huge explosion. The giant battle ship loses control, crashes into the Death Star, and explodes.
129 INT REBEL STAR CRUISER - BRIDGE 129
There is excitement on the bridge as the battle rages on all sides. They cheer as the giant Star Destroyer blows up.
130 INT DEATH STAR - MAIN DOCKING BAY 130
Chaos. For the first time, the Death Star is rocked by explosions as the Rebel fleet, no longer backed against a wall, zooms over, unloading a heavy barrage. Imperial troops run in all directions, confused and desperate to escape.
In the midst of this uproar, Luke and Leia are trying to carry the enormous deadweight of his father's weakening body toward an Imperial shuttle. His arms are stretched out over their shoulders. Finally, the children collapses from the strain. The explosions grow louder as Vader draws them closer.
VADER (a whisper)
Help me take this mask off.
LUKE
But you'll die.
VADER
Nothing can stop that now. Just for once...
let me look on you both with my own eyes.
Slowly, hesitantly, Luke removes the mask from his father's face. There beneath the scars is an elderly man. His eyes do not focus. But the dying man smiles at the sight before him.
ANAKIN (very weak)
Now...go, my children. Leave me.
LEIA
No. You're coming with us. We’ll not leave you here.
ANAKIN
How can you face me after all I’ve done.
After all I’ve done...to both of you.
LUKE
We came to save you.
ANAKIN
You already have, Luke.
LEIA
Luke never really gave up hope. He felt that there was good in you.
And in the end...so did I.
ANAKIN
You were both right about me. You were right.
How could I have been so blind? You both remind me of your mother.
She never gave up hope either.
(With a weak smile, his eyes close.)
LUKE
Father...we won't leave you.
Darth Vader, Anakin Skywalker...Luke and Leia's father, dies.
A huge explosion rocks the docking bay.
Slowly, Luke and Leia rise and, half carrying, half dragging the body of their father,
stumble toward a shuttle.
131 EXT DEATH STAR 131
The Millennium Falcon leads a swerving bomb run through the immense superstructure of the half-built Death Star. The Rebel Star Cruisers outside continually bombard the huge station. And each direct hit is answered by resonating, chain-reaction explosions within the station itself.
132 INT MILLENNIUM FALCON - COCKPIT AND GUN PORTS 132
Lando's crew fires away at the pursuing TIE fighters as the dashing Baron of Bespin and his alien copilot home in on the main reactor shaft. It is awesome. A lone X-wing is just in front of the Falcon.
WEDGE
There it is!
LANDO
All right, Wedge. Go for the power regulator on the north tower.
WEDGE
Copy, Gold Leader. I'm already on my way out.
The X-wing heads for the top of the huge reactor and fires several proton torpedoes at the power regulator, causing a series of small explosions.
LANDO
Ok, gunners. Fire at will.
Give it all you’ve got, Artoo.
The Falcon heads for the main reactor, and when it is dangerously close, Lando fires the missiles, which shoot out of the Falcon with a powerful roar, and hit directly at the center of the main reactor.
LANDO
Great shot, guys!
Alright, Artoo, now, show us out a way out of here!
He maneuvers the Falcon out of the winding superstructure just ahead of the continuing chain of explosions.
133 INT REBEL STAR CRUISER - BRIDGE 133
Ackbar and other Mon Calamari lean on the railing of the bridge, watching the large screen showing the Death Star in the main briefing room.
ACKBAR
Move the fleet away from the Death Star.
134 EXT DEATH STAR 134
An Imperial shuttle, with Luke and Leia in the cockpit, rockets out of the main docking bay as that entire section of the Death Star is blown away.
Finally, just as it looks like the Falcon will not make it, Lando expertly pilots the craft out of the exploding superstructure and whizzes toward the Sanctuary Moon, only a moment before the Death Star supernovas into oblivion.
135 INT MILLENNIUM FALCON - COCKPIT 135
Lando and Nien Nunb laugh and cheer in relief. Artoo whistles a cheer.
136 EXT ENDOR FOREST 136
Han, Chewie, Threepio, the Rebel troops, and the Ewoks all look to the sky as the Death Star reveals itself in a final flash of self-destruction. They all cheer.
THREEPIO
They did it!
Han looks to look at the sky as though listening for a silent voice.
Chewie sees this and he growls his concern.
THREEPIO (looking up and then seeing Han’s concerned face)
I am certain that our companions are quite safe.
HAN.
They are. I can feel it.
Threepio does not know how to respond. Han puts his hand on Threepio’s shoulder, looks at Chewie and smiles.
137 EXT ENDOR FOREST - NIGHT 137
Luke sets a torch to the logs stacked under a funeral pyre
where his father's body lies, again dressed in black mask and helmet.
Luke and Leia stand tightly side by side with his arm around her shoulder, silhouetted from the rear, as the flames leap higher to consume the crude matter that was
the body of Darth Vader...Anakin Skywalker.
In the sky above, fireworks explode and Rebel fighters zoom above the forest.
138 EXT EWOK VILLAGE SQUARE - NIGHT 138
A huge bonfire is the centerpiece of a wild celebration. Rebels and Ewoks rejoice in the warm glow of firelight, drums beating, singing, dancing, and laughing in the communal language of victory and liberation.
Lando runs in and is enthusiastically hugged by Han and Chewie. Mon Mothma and Ackbar are there, as well as the other rebel leaders from the fleet enter, as well.
R2-D2 follows Lando into the scene and is silently greeted by Threepio.
Then, Luke and Leia arrive and the friends rush to greet and embrace them.
Leia and Han share a kiss and smile at each other.
They stand close, this hardy group, taking comfort in each other's touch, together to the end.
Rebels and Ewoks join together in dancing and celebration. The adventurers watch from the sidelines.
Luke looks off to the side and sees three shimmering, smiling figures at the edge of he shadows: Qui Gonn Jin, Ben Kenobi and Yoda.
Luke recognizes Ben and Yoda, but looks puzzled at the third Jedi.
Then, Anakin Skywalker and Padme slowly appear his arm wrapped around her.
Luke and Leia somehow recognizes his mother.
Yoda and Ben peacefully fade away.
Qui Gon puts his hand on Anakin’s shoulder, nods at him and he fades, too.
Leia sees Luke, walks over and looks in the direction that Luke is gazing. She sees her parents, too.
Anakin and Padme hold one another and continue to smile as they fade into the Force.
Leia puts her arm around her brother and the two return to the celebration and her place at Han’s side.
The whole group enjoys the celebration.
An entire galaxy revels in their first taste of freedom in a generation.
They all celebrate the light.
FADE OUT
END CREDITS OVER STAR FIELD
THE END
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