STAR WARS: SHADOWS OF THE EMPIRE

By: James Fehrenbacher

Based on the novel by Steve Perry
Based on characters and situations created by George Lucas

[FADE IN: The Emperors Chamber on Imperial Center]

Xizor. [voiceover] He looks like a walking corpse; like a mummified body, dead a
thousand years. Amazing hes still alive, and much less the most powerful man in the galaxy.
[The Emperor steps into a holocam field, and a holographic image of Darth Vader appears,
bent on one knee]
Darth Vader. What is thy bidding, my master?
The Emperor. There is a great disturbance in the Force.
Darth Vader. I have felt it.
The Emperor. We have a new enemy. Luke Skywalker.
Xizor. [voiceover] Skywalker? That was Vaders name, a long time ago. Who is this
person who shares the same name? And why havent my agents told me about this?
Darth Vader. Yes, my master.
The Emperor. He could destroy us.
Darth Vader. He is just a boy. Obi-Wan can no longer help him.
Xizor. [voiceover] Obi-Wan? Kenobi, the Jedi Knight? Hes been dead for years, hasnt
he?
The Emperor. The Force is strong with him. The son of Skywalker must not become a
Jedi.
Xizor. [voiceover] Son of Skywalker? Vaders son? Amazing!
Darth Vader. If he could be turned, he would become a powerful ally.
The Emperor. Yes. Yes. He would be a great asset. Can it be done?
Darth Vader. He will join us or die, master.
[Vaders hologram fades out, and The Emperor turns to face Xizor]
The Emperor. Now, where were we, Prince Xizor?
[Xizor smiles, and the scene fades]
End Scene 1.

Begin Scene 2.
[INT. The carbon-freezing chamber in Cloud City. Chewbacca is roaring his rage.]
Han Solo. Chewie! There will be another time! The Princess - you have to take care
of her.
[Chewie nods in agreement. Han is taken off to the freezing pit, but pauses to kiss
Leia. Stromtroopers pull them apart, and stand Han on a platform]
Leia. I love you.
Han Solo. I know.
[Han is lowered into the pit, and frozen in carbonite.]
CUT TO: Leia lying in bed on Tatooine. Her sheets are sweaty and wadded up around
her. She swings her legs over the side of the bed, and holds her head in her hands.
Leia. It was a bad dream. But noit really happened. Han is embedded in a block of
carbonite, lost somewhere in the galaxy. The Alliance is in crumbles. Were out manned and
out gunned ten thousand to one. But I wont cry. Ill get even.

End Scene 2.

Begin Scene 3.
[EXT. A carnival high wire and platform, sixty meters above the sands of Tatooine EVENING. Luke Skywalker is standing on the platform, wearing plain black pants, a black shirt,
and a black leather belt. Standing still, he flashes back to Cloud City.]
Darth Vader. [voiceover] Im your father.
Luke Skywalker. No, that cant be true. My father was Anakin Skywalker, a Jedi
Knight.
[Luke pushes the thoughts out of his mind, and calms his body. After several seconds,
he begins to walk the wire]
Lukes POV The wire changes and becomes a local Tatooine street. About halfway
across the wire, Luke begins to run. As he reaches the other platform,

End Scene 3.

Begin Scene 4.
[INT. Xizors castle on Imperial Center. Xizor is leaning back in an armchair, watching a
holoproj unit of a number of assassins. His Human Replica Droid, Guri, is standing across the
table]
Guri. The Pike Sisters. Genetic twins, not clones. Twenty-six standard years old. No
political affiliations or criminal records in any of the major star systems. They are for hire to
the highest bidder, and they have never worked for Black Sun.
Xizor. They will do. Make it happen.
[Guri nods, and leaves the room, and the scene fades.]
End Scene 4.

Begin Scene 5.
[INT. A local cantina in Mos Eisley on Tatooine. Leia is sitting next to Chewbacca,
apparently waiting for somebody.]
Lando Calrissian. [From behind Leia] Buy you a drink, beautiful?
[Leia turns and sees Lando, with C-3PO and R2-D2 in the background. R2 is taking in
the bar, and 3PO looks very nervous.]
Leia. How did you get in here?
Lando Calrissian. Back door. [Gestures over his shoulder]
C-3PO. Perhaps we ought to come back, Master Calrissian. R2 and I are the only
droids in here.
Lando Calrissian. Dont worry about it, 3PO. I know the owner. And besides, I dont
want you outside by yourselves. There are [in mock amazement] thieves around town. And
they wouldnt mind swiping you two.
C-3PO. Oh, dear me. Perhaps we should stay inside.
[Leia smiles]

Lando Calrissian. Leia, I think we have Slave I spotted.

Leia. Where?
Lando Calrissian. A moon called Gall, out on the Outer Rim. While the information is
third-hand, the chain is supposed to be reliable.
Leia. Weve heard that one before.
Lando Calrissian. We can either wait here or go and check it out. Boba Fett should
have dropped Han off at Jabbas several months ago. Ive got a contact in that system, an old
gambling buddy. His name is Dash Rendar. He does a littlefreelance cargo delivery.
Leia. You mean smuggling.
Lando Calrissian. If you want to call it that.
Leia. Do you trust him?
Lando Calrissian. As long as my money lasts? Yeah, I do.
Leia. How soon will he be able to get the information to us?
Lando Calrissian. A couple days.
[Chewbacca says something in Wookie.]
Lando Calrissian. I dont know why Fett stopped there. The moon has a shipyard;
maybe he needed repairs.
[Chewbacca says something else]
Lando Calrissian. Yeah, Im afraid so. [Turning to Leia] Gall is an Imperial Enclave.
There are a couple Star Destroyers based there, plus all the TIE fighters. Even if Fett is there,
it wont be easy to get to him.
Leia. When has anything been easy since I met you?
[Lando shrugs]
Leia. I guess wed better go tell Luke.
End Scene 5.

Begin Scene 6.

[INT. Darth Vaders meeting room on Imperial Center. Xizor is there, having left four
bodyguards outside. The room includes a long table and chairs made out of greel wood, a
holoplate, and viewer. Xizor walks over to the table, pulls out one of the chairs, and sits down,
stretching his feet onto the table. After several minutes, the wall at the opposite end of the
room slides aside, and Darth Vader steps into the room. Xizor jumps to his feet, and offers a
military bow to Vader.]
Xizor. Lord Vader.
Darth Vader. Prince Xizor.
Xizor. I was told you wanted to see me. Is there a way in which I can be of some
service?
Darth Vader. The Emperor has asked me to arrange for a fleet of your cargo ships to
deliver supplies to our bases on the Rim.
Xizor. But of course, Lord Vader. My entire organization is at your disposal; you know
that. I am always happy to provide aid in any way I can.
Darth Vader. In the past, Ive noticed that your company has been slow in responding
to Imperial requests.
Xizor. It is embarrassing, but it is true. But certain individuals are no longer employed
by XTS.
Darth Vader. We shall need three hundred ships. Half of them tankers, and half dry
cargo transports. Im sure you are aware of a large construction project we are working on.
Xizor. Yes, I am, Lord Vader. You only need to tell me where and when you desire
them, and I shall make it so. And Imperial terms are acceptable.
Darth Vader. Very well. The fleet supply admiral will contact you shortly with all the
details.
Xizor. It is my honor to serve the Empire, Lord Vader.
[Xizor bows again. Vader turns and leaves, and the scene fades.]

End Scene 6.

Begin Scene 7.
[INT. Ben Kenobis house on Tatooine. Luke is staring at a small furnace, in which a
lightsaber jewel is cooking. After several minutes of watching, he feels something impending.
Strapping on a blaster, he walks outside.]
[EXT. Ben Kenobis house. From the landspeeders POV, Luke is standing in front of
Bens house. Lando hops out of the landspeeder, walks over, and shakes Lukes hand.
Lando Calrissian. Hey, Luke. We would have called, but we didnt want our com over
heard. Chewie saw a couple of those new codecracker slicer droids in town. We think theyre
monitoring local calls.
Luke Skywalker. Good call. Come on inside.
[The others climb out of the speeder, and walk over to Luke, then follow him and Lando
into the house.]
C-3PO. Hello again, Master Luke. Its so good to see you again.
[INT. Bens house. Lando and Leia explain why theyre there. Luke is ready to leave.]
Lando Calrissian. Whoa, whoa, whoa, slow down. First, we have to make sure Fetts
on Gall. And then theres the little matter of the Imperial Navy.
[Luke scoffs.]
Luke Skywalker. We can fly circles around those guys.
[Chewbacca says something in Wookie.]
C-3PO. Chewbacca wonders if the Rebel Alliance would be willing to help, given
Master Hans past services.
Luke Skywalker. Sure they are. Wedge is in command of Rouge Squad, and he told
me if I ever needed them, theyd come running.
Lando Calrissian. They can drop whatever theyre doing? Just like that?
Leia. Certainly. Our chain of command is a whole lot looser than the Empires. Rouge
Squad doesnt have any permanent assignment, and Im sure I can convince the Alliance that
Han is worth rescuing.

Luke Skywalker. Alright, lets do it.

Lando Calrissian. Not so fast, Luke. Lets wait for confirmation from Dash that Fett is
on Gall. Thats a long trip to make and end up empty-handed.
Luke Skywalker. Okay. But lets contact Wedge and get Rogue Squad on standby.

End Scene 7.

Begin Scene 8.
[INT. Xizors castle on Imperial Center. Xizor is talking to Guri.]
Xizor. You have gathered all of the information regarding Skywalker?
Guri. Yes, my prince.
Xizor. Everything has been checked and rechecked?
Guri. As you ordered.
Xizor. Good. Let the bounty hunters know the price for Skywalker. There can be no
connection to Black Sun, with no mistakes.
Guri. No mistakes.
Xizor. Good. And I would like to speak with Jabba the Hutt.
Guri. He will be online when you return from midday meal.
Xizor. No. Have him come to Imperial Center by the fastest ship. I would like to speak
to him face to face.
Guri. Very well.
[Xizor dismisses Guri, and she leaves.]
Xizor. Vader wants Skywalker alive, to give to the Emperor. If Vader should fail, even
he wont be immune to Imperial anger. I finally have a weapon to defeat Darth Vaderthe
death of Luke Skywalker.

End Scene 8.

Begin Scene 9.
[INT. Ben Kenobis house on Tatooine. Luke is working on his lightsaber jewel, and
Chewbacca is sitting watching him. Leia is in the bedroom sleeping. After several minutes,
Chewbacca says something in Wookie.]
C-3PO. Chewbacca says Master Lando has returned.
[Luke nods, but continues working on his jewel. Several seconds later, Lando enters
the room.]
Lando Calrissian. I just got a coded call from Dash Rendar. That is Slave I on Gall.
[Luke lays down his jewel.]
Luke Skywalker. When can we leave?
Lando Calrissian. Ive got the Falcon all ready to go. How long will it take you to get
your X-Wing warmed up?
Luke Skywalker. As soon as R2 and I can get on board.
Leia. [Coming out of the bedroom] Get on board what?
Lando Calrissian. It looks like weve found Han.

End Scene 9.

Begin Scene 10.

[INT. Xizors castle on Imperial Center. Jabba the Hutt enters the conference room.]
Jabba. [In Huttese] Greetings, Prince Xizor.
Xizor. Speak Basic, Jabba.
Jabba. As you wish.
Xizor. How goes your business, Jabba? Are things well in your sector?
Jabba. They could be better. Revenues are up. Unfortunately, the price of Imperial
bribes has also risen. But I do what I can.
Xizor. I understand you have had some dealings with high-ranking Imperial officials as
of late.

[Xizor sees the confused look on Jabbas face.]

Xizor. I speak of Lord Vader.
Jabba. Ah. Not directly, Highness. I recently engaged several bounty hunters to
collect a debt. One of them, Boba Fett, managed to locate the debts source, in Imperial
hands. Lord Vader was in command of the situation. I am told it was mere coincidence.
Xizor. I believe you are talking about Han Solo, the smuggler.
Jabba. One of the best. He had his uses in the past, but then he went and joined the
Alliance, and he owes me a great deal of money.
Xizor. I have had several dealings with Vader myself. Jabba, any details about the
Dark Lord of the Sith, no matter how minute, would be most helpful. Has your deal with Fett
been finalized?
Jabba. Not yet, Highness. I am still waiting for Solos delivery.
Xizor. Wasnt this Solo a member of the force that attacked the Death Star several
years back?
Jabba. Yes, Highness. He and his friends were instrumental in its destruction. The
Wookie Chewbacca, the Princess Leia Organa, and a young unknown called Skywalker were all
involved.
Xizor. Skywalker?
Jabba. Yes. He thinks he is a Jedi Knight. Quite ludicrous, of course. He was, until
recently, on Tatooine.
Xizor. Where is he now?
Jabba. I dont know. His X-Wing took off only a short while ago.
Xizor. It probably means nothing. I would greatly appreciate it if you let me know if
any of these people return to Tatooine.
Jabba. Certainly, Highness.
Xizor. Thank you, Jabba. Guri will show you the way out.
[Jabba leaves, and after several seconds, Guri enters the room.]

Xizor. Tell those looking for Skywalker they can increase their chances of finding him
by locating Boba Fett.
Guri. Yes, Highness.
[Guri bows, and leaves the room.]

End Scene 10.

Begin Scene 11.

[INT. The lounge of the Millennium Falcon. Chewbacca is playing a hologame with C3PO in the background, Lando is in the galley fixing some food, and Leia and Luke are sitting
next to each other, Luke cleaning R2-D2.]
Lando Calrissian. [Entering from galley.] Dinnertime! Giju stew. One of my
favorites! [No one moves.] Dont everybody rush in at once. Come on, I spent an hour fixing
this! At least try it.
Luke Skywalker. No offense, Lando, but it looks like old boot plastic and fertilizer
drenched in pond scum. Smells like it, too.
[Leia chuckles.]
Lando Calrissian. Fine. Dont eat. That just leaves more for me. [He picks up a
bowl, dips a spoon into it, and transfers the spoon to his mouth.] See? Tastes great! [His
facial expressions change from irritated to amazed to horror to outright disgust. He quickly
blows a breath and shakes his head.] Oh, man. I think I used a little too much Boontaspice.
[He pushes the bowl away] Maybe Ill just open a couple packets of beans.
[EXT. Millennium Falcon. Lukes X-Wing fighter is released from clamps underneath
the Falcon, with Luke inside and R2-D2 in his socket.]
[INT. Lukes X-Wing. A light blinks on his dashboard, and a voice comes in through his
com unit.]
Wedge Antilles. Hey, Luke! Welcome to the edge of the galaxy.
Luke Skywalker. Hey, Wedge! Hows it going?

Wedge Antilles. So-so. Another day, another credit. Before taxes, of course.
Anyway, I hope youve got something interesting cooked up. Things have been pretty slow
lately.
Luke Skywalker. Well, if you want to talk about bad cooking, youll need to speak to
Lando.
Lando Calrissian. I heard that, farm boy.
Wedge Antilles. Well, if youll follow us, Luke, weve got camp set up on a moon
opposite Gall. Weve got it fixed up real nice, with air, gravity, water, and all the comforts of
home.
Luke Skywalker. Lead on, Wedge!

End Scene 11.

Begin Scene 12.

[INT. Rogue Squads moon base.]
Leia. You call this real nice?
Wedge Antilles. Hey, you know Rogue Squad, Princess. All we need is a ship and
rock to land it on.
[Wedge walks the others over to a corner of the hanger, where a man is sprawled in a
chair. He has red hair and a red beard, and wears a blue jumper with a blaster strapped low
on his hip. As they draw nearer, his eyes snap open, and he jumps to his feet, and bows.]
Dash Rendar. Princess Leia. How delightful of you to visit our humble abode, Your
Highness.
Lando Calrissian. Princess Leia, meet Dash Rendar; thief, card cheat, smuggler, and
an okay pilot.
Dash Rendar. What do you mean, okay pilot, Calrissian? I could fly rings around
you in a one-winged hopper with a plugged jet.
Leia. And modest, too.

[Dash bows again.]

Dash Rendar. I see the princess has a keen eye to go with her stunning beauty.
[Leia pulls Lando aside.]
Leia. This guy is going to lead us to Boba Fett?
[Lando brushes Leias doubts off]
Lando Calrissian. Dash, lets get to business.
Dash Rendar. Best idea youve had in years, Calrissian.
Lando Calrissian. Okay, so you know Princess Leia, and you know Chewie. This here
is Luke Skywalker.
[Luke walks forward, and he and Dash shake hands.]
Luke Skywalker. Have we met? You look vaguely familiar.
Dash Rendar. You might have seen me on Hoth. I was delivering some shipments
when the shield went up. I piloted one of the snowspeeders while waiting to leave.
Luke Skywalker. Thats right. I remember you took down one of the Imperial
walkers. You were pretty good.
Dash Rendar. Pretty good? Kid, I *slept* through most of that battle. I could have
knocked down those walkers all day, if only I hadnt had other business elsewhere.
Wedge Antilles. Luke, weve done a little recon work. Let me show you what weve
got.
[Wedge activates the hologram unit, and shows the group a number of maps of Gall.]
Wedge Antilles. Now the moon has some pretty bad atmospheric conditions. Big
cyclonic storms that can get pretty mean. You want to try and avoid them if you can.
Dash Rendar. Well maybe not you guys, but I eat thunderstorms for breakfast,
Antilles.
Wedge Antilles. Now, the Enclave bases two Star Destroyers. Each Destroyer has a
wing of TIE fighters, and each wing is made up of six squads, which equals seventy-two TIEs
per Destroyer.

Luke Skywalker. One hundred and forty-four versus the twelve X-Wings. Thirteen,
including me. That makes the odds a hair less than twelve to one.
Leia. Weve had odds worse than that.
Wedge Antilles. Thats about it. What do you think, Luke?
Luke Skywalker. Its a piece of cake. And Ive got an idea.
[The scene zooms out, as Luke explains his plan, inaudible to audience, then zooms
back in as Luke finishes.]
Leia. Thats your plan?
Luke Skywalker. Whats wrong with it?
Leia. You and Rogue Squad are going to attack the Enclave, manage to keep one
hundred and forty-four TIE fighters and two Star Destroyers at bay, while Dash leads us to
Boba Fett? Why, theres nothing wrong with it. Its so stupid, its positively brilliant.
Luke Skywalker. Okay, so its simple.
Leia. Simple minded.
Luke Skywalker. Do you have a better idea?
Leia. Unfortunately, no.
Luke Skywalker. Then its settled.
Dash Rendar. I dont mean to burst your bubble, but if were going to sneak in the
back way, were going to have to do some pretty fancy flying. Treetop level stuff. Think you
can handle it, Calrissian? That Corellian piece of junk youre in should be able to hold together.
Lando Calrissian. If you can fly it, I can fly it. And besides, the Falcon has had some
modifications added since she belonged to me.
[Chewbacca says something in Wookie.]
Dash Rendar. Really? Whered you get a sublight engine that fast?
[Chewbacca says something else.]
Dash Rendar. Well, I guess Solo would be dumb enough to try something like that.
Okay, if you boys can keep the TIE fighters busy, I can get Lando to where Boba Fett is.
[Chewbacca says something in Wookie.]

Lando Calrissian. You dont have to do that, Chewie.

Leia. Whatd he say?
Lando Calrissian. Hes volunteering to go along.
Leia. Well, in that case, Im going, too.
Lando Calrissian. I really dont think thats a good idea, Leia.
Leia. Look, if the TIE fighters break through Rogue Squads blockade, youre going to
need someone at the turrets.
Luke Skywalker. Shes got a good point, Lando. And shes a pretty good shot.
Wedge Antilles. Then thats all settled. Rogue Squad would be glad to fly under your
command, Luke.
Luke Skywalker. Thanks, Wedge. And Id be glad to command.
Dash Rendar. Want to see something, kid?
[Dash gestures to a nearby hanger. He walks over, opens the door, and leads Luke
and the others inside.]
Luke Skywalker. Wow.
[In the doorway, Leia peers over Lukes shoulder, and sees Dashs ship, the Outrider,
sitting there. The ship is almost identical in design to the Millennium Falcon, with a saucer-like
body and offset control cockpit.]
Dash Rendar. The Outrider. Can go .75 past light speed.
Luke Skywalker. How were you able to afford a ship like that?
Dash Rendar. Well, to be honest, it wasnt all clean living. You like it, kid?
[Luke nods.]
Leia. Like boys with an expensive toy.

End Scene 12.

Begin Scene 13.

[INT. Lukes X-Wing fighter.]

Luke Skywalker. You all set, R2?

[R2 whistles his assent.]
Luke Skywalker. Okay, Rogue Squad, this is Rogue Leader. Lock your foils into
attack position.
Wedge Antilles. Rogue One, copy that, Luke.
Rogue Three. Rogue Three, copy.
[Lukes POV The two Star Destroyers are dead ahead.]
Luke Skywalker. Okay boys, there they are. Now, the TIE fighters cant get up to top
speed immediately, so well have one relatively free pass. Make it count!
Rogue Six (Wes Janson). Here they come, Rogue Leader!
Luke Skywalker. I see them, Wes! Everyone, stay alert!
[Lukes POV The TIE fighters close in on the Rogue Squad.]

End Scene 13.

Begin Scene 14.

[INT. Millennium Falcon. Lando and Chewbacca are sitting at the controls, with Leia
and 3PO behind them.]
C-3PO. Do be careful, Master Lando, were awfully close to the tops of those trees.
Lando Calrissian. Really? I hadnt noticed.
C-3PO. Well, theres no need for sarcasm.
Dash Rendar. [Over the Falcons intercom] You nervous back there, Calrissian?
Lando Calrissian. Who, us? I thought you said we were going to be flying low, Dash.
Were in the stratosphere way up here.
[Dash doesnt respond in words. Instead, he drops the Outrider four meters lower.]
Leia. Hes crazy!
Lando Calrissian. Yeah, but he can fly. Youve got to give him that. Chewie, give me
a little more thrust.

Leia. Lando, what are you doing?

Lando Calrissian. Well, I cant let him think were scared, can I?
C-3PO. Certainly you can, Master Lando!
Leia. Youre as crazy as he is, Lando.
[Chewie says something in Wookie.]
C-3PO. Oh, dear!
Lando Calrissian. What?
C-3PO. Chewbacca says that if we lose another centimeter, well snag the belly
cannon!
Leia. Whats this guy trying to prove, anyway, Lando?
Lando Calrissian. Havent you heard the story of the Rendars?
Leia. Should I have?
Lando Calrissian. Dash was at the Imperial Academy, a couple years below Han. His
family was pretty wealthy, and *very* highly placed. Dashs older brother was a freighter pilot
who worked his way up through the familys shipping company. However, an unfortunate
accident derailed those plans. One of the ships control systems blew out, not the pilots fault,
and it crashed right after liftoff from an Imperial Center spaceport. The ship was destroyed,
and the crew was killed.
Leia. How terrible. Whats that got to do with Dash?
Lando Calrissian. Well, as I said, the pilot was Dashs brother. But unfortunately,
when the ship fell back to Imperial Center, it destroyed the Emperors private museum. The
ensuing fire destroyed a lot of stuff he kept in there. Naturally, the Emperor wasnt too
pleased. He seized the Rendar familys property, and they were banished from Imperial
Center; including Dash. He was booted out of the Academy and off of Imperial Center, too.
Leia. So hes got no love for the Empire. Why isnt he working with the Alliance?
[Lando shrugs.]
Lando Calrissian. He doesnt want to owe anybody, and doesnt want anybody to
owe him. He works for whoever pays the most. He can pick wing nuts off of a tabletop and

not even scorch the finish. And as long as your money lasts, hes a good man to have at your
back when the going gets tough.

End Scene 14.

Begin Scene 15.

[INT. Lukes X-Wing. TIE fighters are everywhere, as are the other members of Rogue
Squad.]
Luke Skywalker. Rogue One, look out! On your port, bearing three-zero-five!
[Wedges X-Wing peels down and to the left.]
Wedge Antilles. Thanks, Luke.
Ben Kenobi. [V.O.] Use the Force, Luke.
[Luke grins. He switches his com so he can talk to R2.]
Luke Skywalker. R2, turn off the targeting sensors and the rear shields. Give me
more power to the guns.
[R2 whistles his doubts.]
Luke Skywalker. Sorry, R2, but this way is better.
[Luke calms himself, and connects with the Force. Quickly recharging his belly guns,
Luke destroys two TIE fighters.]
Dix. Fine shooting, Rogue Leader.
Luke Skywalker. Thanks, Dix. Watch yourself.
Rogue Four. More ships coming in, bearing in at one-seven-five!
Rogue. Watch your back, Luke! Youve got a tail!
[Luke peels his X-Wing into a hard downturn. He flies up behind the TIE fighter and
destroys the fighter.
Rogue Six (Wes Janson). Rogue Two, a pair of them coming in at two-two-four.
Move your butt!
Rogue Two. Copy that, Wes. I owe you one.

Rogue Six (Wes Janson). Pay me back later.

Rogue Two. Luke, Im hit!
Luke Skywalker. Rogue Two, return to base. You cant do us any good. Theres no
point in throwing your life away.
Rogue Two. Ive still got manual controls, Rogue Leader.
Luke Skywalker. Thats an order. Break off and return to base.
Rogue Two. I copy, Rogue Leader. Rogue Two returning to base. Ill put on a kettle
for tea.
Wedge Antilles. Luke, weve got another wave coming in. Twelve blips at three-zerothree, and theyre closing pretty fast.
Luke Skywalker. Keep tight, Rogue Squad!
Wedge Antilles. Uh-oh. I see a couple TIE Interceptors in this group.
Luke Skywalker. Well deal with it. Just keep those fighters busy!
Wedge Antilles. Luke, were not going to be able to keep this up much longer.
Luke Skywalker. I hear you, Rogue One.

End Scene 15.

Begin Scene 16.

[INT. Millennium Falcon. Dash is talking over the intercom.]
Dash Rendar. There she is, dead ahead!
[Lando and Leia look closely; they see the outline of Boba Fetts ship, Slave I.]
Leia. There it is!
Dash Rendar. Been fun, people. See you around.
[The Outrider rockets towards space.]
Lando Calrissian. Hey! Where are you going?
Dash Rendar. You only paid me to guide, not to shoot. Im out of here.
Lando Calrissian. Blast you, Dash!

[Chewbacca says something in Wookie.]

Lando Calrissian. Oh, great.
Leia. What?
Lando Calrissian. Weve got about half a dozen TIE fighters on our tail.
Leia. Half a dozen? That should be easy work for a hotshot pilot like you.
Lando Calrissian. You wanna stop being sarcastic? Why dont you and Chewie go
see if the dorsal and belly guns work.

End Scene 16.

Begin Scene 17.

[INT. Lukes X-Wing fighter. Rogue Squad is keeping the TIE fighters busy, as seen
through his canopy. Wedge then turns on his comm.]
Wedge Antilles. Luke, theyre all around us. We cant keep this up much longer.
Luke Skywalker. I hear you, Rogue One. Rogue Squad, break off your attack and go
to lightspeed. I repeat, break off and go to hyper. Well return to normal space in a few
seconds.
[Rogue Squad copies the order, and breaks off their attack. Suddenly, Luke feels
something through the Force.]
Ben Kenobi. [V.O.] Luke!
Luke Skywalker. Ben?
[Luke jerks the control stick between his legs to his left, as a laser beam shoots past
the ship. Looking through his canopy, he sees Rogue Six copying his movements.]
Luke Skywalker. Wes, what are you doing?
Rogue Six (Wes Janson). Im sorry, Luke. Something has gone wrong with my R2
unit! Its taken control of my ship! None of my controls are responding, and my stick is dead!
Luke Skywalker. Yeah, and Ill be dead soon, if we cant fix this little problem!
[Another laser beams blasts past, this time from a TIE fighter behind Luke.]

Luke Skywalker. Oh, great! Just what we need! Rogue One, can you get this fighter
off my tail?
Wedge Antilles. Im sorry, Luke, but youre too far away. I wont be able to get there
in time. I hate to say it, but youre going to have to get rid of him on your own.
[Luke tries a number of different maneuvers, but still isnt able to shake Wes fighter.
Getting an idea, Luke turns his fighter into steep climb. At the peak, he kills his thrust, and
Wes fighter flies past. As the fighter loops around, the TIE fighter swoops in in front of Luke.
Luke dodges Wes laser fire, which destroys the TIE fighter. After several more tries, Luke is
able to fire at Wes fighter, and his bolts take out Wes laser and torpedo bays. Wes guns are
dead. Luke heaves a sigh of relief.]
Luke Skywalker. Wedge, get a magnetic line to Wes fighter. Were going to have to
tow him back to base.
Wedge Antilles. I copy, Luke.
Rogue Six (Wes Janson). Im sorry, Luke. I dont know what happened.
Luke Skywalker. Forget it, Wes. Well stamp out the details later. Lets just scram
before the Empire comes back full force.
[The rest of Rogue Squad copies, and they move into hyperspace, Wedge dragging
along Wes.]

End Scene 17.

Begin Scene 18.

[INT. The belly turret of the Millennium Falcon. Leia is busy firing at the swarming TIE
fighters.]
Leia. Lando, Ive gotten about three of those fighters. I dont know how many Chewie
has gotten.
Lando Calrissian. Well, keep at it. We need to get through.
[Another TIE fighter flashes past. Leia fires, but misses.]

Lando Calrissian. We cant land. If we do, well get blasted for sure!
Leia. So whats your plan, Lando?
Lando Calrissian. I dont know. But Iuh oh.
Leia. Uh oh what?
Lando Calrissian. Slave I is taking off.
Leia. Well, follow it! Were too close to lose Han now!
Lando Calrissian. How? Theres a wall of TIE fighters between him and us!
Leia. Go around them!
[Lando tries a variety of different maneuvers, but still isnt able to get past the
fighters.]
Lando Calrissian. I hate to be the one to say it, but Ive got a very bad feeling about
all this.

End Scene 18.

Begin Scene 19.

[INT. The moon base of Rogue Squad. Luke, Wedge, and the other Rogues are
standing by Wes fighter.]
Wedge Antilles. You all right, Wes?
Rogue Six (Wes Janson). Yeah. But Id sure like to know what my R2 unit ate for
breakfast. Im sorry about that, Luke.
Luke Skywalker. Forget it, Wes. It couldnt be helped. Lets just see if we can find
out.
[Luke waves to a crew chief, and she wanders over.]
Luke Skywalker. Can you get a coupler onto this R2 unit?
[The chief nods, and plugs in a coupler, then plugs the coupler into the unit, once it
settles to the ground. R2 then rolls over, and plugs in an interface with the unit. He then
whistles very frantically.]

Wedge Antilles. Whats he saying, Luke?

Luke Skywalker. This R2 unit wasnt malfunctioning. Somebody programmed it to
shoot at me.
Wedge Antilles. Who would do that? And why?
[The crew chief then pulls a comlink off of her belt, and speaks into it. She then listens
to the incoming message.]
Chief. Rendar is on his way in.
Luke Skywalker. Alone? Where are Leia and Lando?
[The chief shrugs.]
Chief. He didnt say.
Luke Skywalker. That son of a bitch. Come on, Wedge, Dash has a little explaining
to do.
[Luke and Wedge walk off, followed closely by R2.]

End Scene 19.

Begin Scene 20.

[INT. The Millennium Falcons belly gun turret. Lando is talking to Leia and Chewbacca
over the intercom.]
Lando Calrissian. We cant get through, Leia! Were going to have to
[Landos voice is cut off mid-sentence.]
[Leia calls for Lando and Chewie over the com, but doesnt get a response.]
Leia. 3PO, got see what happened to the com! Make sure Lando and Chewie are all
right!
C-3PO. Yes, Princess Leia.
[3PO walks off. He returns several minutes later.]
C-3PO. Princess Leia, Master Lando says the com unit has been damaged. We not
longer have internal or external communications. We must leave before the ship is destroyed!

Leia. But we cant! Were too close to getting Han back!

[Leias POV The Falcon is peeling away from the moon towards space. Leia
unbuckles herself, and runs up to the cockpit, where Lando is, safe and sound.]
Leia. Lando, what are you doing?
Lando Calrissian. Saving our lives. I used every trick in the manual, plus a few of my
own creation. I just couldnt get past those TIE fighters. There were too many of them.
Leia. What about Slave I?
Lando Calrissian. I lost him. But we cant do Han any good if were scattered all over
the landscape, now, can we? And I dont want to add more fuel to the fire, but we have no
idea if Fett even had Han on his ship. Fett could have stashed him somewhere.
C-3PO. Well, at least were alive.

End Scene 20.

Begin Scene 21.

[INT. The Rogues moon base. Luke is talking to Dash, with Wedge standing off to the
side.]
Luke Skywalker. You just *left* them there?
Dash Rendar. Kid, I was hired as a guide. So I guided. End of story.
[Dash turns and walks off. A few seconds later, one of the ground crew rushes over.]
Crew member. Weve got a ship coming in! No communications, but its definitely a
Corellian freighter!
Luke Skywalker. Corellian? The Millennium Falcon!
Wedge Antilles. Theyre alive. Lets go check out that R2 unit before they come in,
Luke.
Luke Skywalker. Good idea, Wedge.
[He and Wedge walk across the floor, and into an adjacent room, where theyre
keeping Wes R2 unit. As they enter the room, however, they find the unit lying in a pile of

rubble, obviously blasted apart. As they look around for the perpetrator, they spot the crew
chief standing off to the side, with a blaster pointed right at them. She sees Wedge move for
his blaster, and shoots a blaster bolt at them, missing Luke by centimeters. Wedge brings his
blaster up, and his bolt knocks her down. Luke and Wedge run over to her.]
Wedge Antilles. Well, shes certainly not going to be answering any questions again.
Luke Skywalker. It looks we know who rascaled Wes R2 unit. I would have liked to
find out why she did it.
Wedge Antilles. Ill see what the operations computer has on her. Maybe we can find
out.
Luke Skywalker. Good. While youre doing that, I need to go talk with Leia and
Lando.
[Luke walks over to where the Falcon is docked. As Leia gets off, she and Luke
embrace, Luke telling her its the best they could have done. He then tells the group about the
malfunctioning R2 unit. Leias interest is piqued, and Lando goes off with Wedge to check on
the crew chief. They return several minutes later.]
Luke Skywalker. What did you find out?
Wedge Antilles. Well, there was a transfer of ten thousand credits into the chiefs
account a few days ago, just after Rogue Squad arrived. Lando managed to access the
account using aborrowed override command code.
Leia. And?
Lando Calrissian. The money came from a dummy corporation called Saber
Enterprises. The last I heard, Saber was a front organization for the Empires secret
undercover anti-espionage operations.
Leia. You think someone bribed the chief to rig that droid to shoot at Luke?
Lando Calrissian. Seems like too much of a coincidence any other way.
Leia. Thats got Vaders glove prints all over it.
Luke Skywalker. No, that doesnt make any sense. Vader wants me alive, to join the
Empire.

Lando Calrissian. He may have changed his mind.

Luke Skywalker. I dont think so. This just doesnt add up.
Lando Calrissian. I also found something else. If that R2 unit had succeeded and
Luke had been killed, there would have been another large payment ending up in the chiefs
account. I think the ten thousand was just a down payment.
Wedge Antilles. She was going to shoot Luke. The second rule of defense is shoot
first and ask questions later.
Leia. And whats the first rule?
Lando Calrissian. Be somewhere else when the shooting starts.

End Scene 21.

Begin Scene 22.

[INT. The Rogues moon base. Luke and Leia are standing next to the Millennium
Falcon, talking.]
Luke Skywalker. Why me, Leia?
Leia. Because Tatooine is your homeworld and youre the most familiar with it. Its a
logical choice, Luke.
Luke Skywalker. Cant your business with the Alliance wait?
Leia. No. Just go back to Tatooine with R2 and wait at Bens house. Chewie, Lando,
3PO and I will meet you there.
Luke Skywalker. All right, fine. But you be careful.
[Luke walks off. Leia watches him climb into his X-Wing with R2, and raise ship. As his
X-Wing disappears, Leia calls Dash over to her.]
Leia. Are you available for a job?
Dash Rendar. Sweetie, Im always available. If the money is right, of course.
Leia. I need you to go to Tatooine to keep an eye on Luke.

Dash Rendar. A bodyguard? Sure, I can do that. The kid wont like it if he finds out,
though.
Leia. So stay out of sight. Someone has already tried to kill Luke, and I think theyre
going to try again. Now how much?
[After Dash names his price, Lando lets out a whistle.]
Lando Calrissian. You are a bandit, Rendar. Has anyone ever told you that?
Dash Rendar. Calrissian, you should know that the best dont come cheap. I expect
that payment in advance, Your Highness.
Leia. Do you really think Im that stupid, Dash? One third now, two-thirds when - or
should I say if? - we arrive. If Luke is still alive, of course.
Dash Rendar. I cant guarantee that, Your Highness.
Leia. I thought you were the best.
Dash Rendar. I am. All right, half up front, half when you arrive.
Leia. Deal.
[Leia pays Dash, and he leaves. After the Outrider disappears into space, Leia pulls
Lando aside.]
Leia. Let me pose a hypothetical question.
Lando Calrissian. Well, as long as you dont mind a hypothetical answer, shoot.
Leia. What would be the best way to get in touch with a high-ranking member of Black
Sun?
Lando Calrissian. The *best* way? Dont.
Leia. Lando, this is important.
Lando Calrissian. Princess, trust me. Black Sun is bad news. You dont want to get
into bed with them.
Leia. Im not planning on getting into bed with them. I just want to rummage
around their chest of drawers.
Lando Calrissian. What?

Leia. Look, someone just tried to kill Luke. It may have been Vader, and it may not.
Black Suns got a vast spynet, they can find out whos responsible.
Lando Calrissian. So can the Bothans, Leia.
Leia. But the Bothans dont have some of the same techniques that Black Sun has.
You have the right connections, dont you?
Lando Calrissian. [Defeated] Yeah, I know a few people.

End Scene 22.

Begin Scene 23.

[INT. The Emperors skyhook. Xizor is waiting for Darth Vader. Vader enters the room
after several seconds.]
Darth Vader. Prince Xizor. You had something to discuss with me?
Xizor. Yes. The location of a secret Rebel base in the Baji Sector has recently come to
my attention. I assumed you would want to know this. Surely the destruction of such a base
would no doubt cripple the Alliance greatly.
Darth Vader. I will have my agents check it out. If what youre saying is true, then
the Empire shall beindebted to you.
Xizor. No thanks are necessary, Lord Vader. I am merely performing my required
duties.
[Vader says nothing, turns, and leaves.]

End Scene 23.

Begin Scene 24.

[INT. The Millennium Falcons cockpit. Leia and Lando are talking]
Lando Calrissian. My contact is on Rodia.
Leia. Rodia? But thats halfway to Imperial Center!

Lando Calrissian. I know, but thats where he is. His name is Avaro. He owns a
casino in the gambling complex in Equator City. The whole complex is run by Black Sun, so
Avaro will know who to contact. But it might be a little tricky, though.
Leia. Why?
Lando Calrissian. Well, before Vader froze him, there were a large number of bounty
hunters looking for Han and Chewie. I found out there was one hunter in Mos Eisley on
Tatooine, a Rodian named Greedo, who caught up with Han in one of the cantinas there. There
was a small shoot-out. Han walked away, and Greedo didnt.
Leia. So?
Lando Calrissian. Greedo was Avaros nephew.
Leia. And you think hell hold that against us.
Lando Calrissian. Who can say? He may, and he may not. But from what I know
about Rodian customs, theyre big on bounty hunting. If my nephew had been shot, I wouldnt
be too pleased.
Leia. But we didnt shoot him. Han did.
Lando Calrissian. True, but we are Hans friends.
Leia. Always more obstacles.

End Scene 24.

Begin Scene 25.

[INT. The Emperors chamber. The Emperor and Darth Vader are talking.]
The Emperor. Our agents have verified this report, Lord Vader?
Darth Vader. Yes, my master. A hundred Rebel ships, plus all the pilots and officers.
The Emperor. Very well. Take a part of the fleet and go there immediately. Destroy
that base.
Darth Vader. I thought, perhaps, Admiral Okins might command this mission.
The Emperor. Really?

Darth Vader. But if it is your wish, I shall lead the attack.

The Emperor. It is my wish, Lord Vader. Take Okins, if you like, but you yourself must
ensure the assault.
Darth Vader. Yes, my master.
[Vader gets up, and leaves.]

End Scene 25.

Begin Scene 26.

[EXT. Ben Kenobis house on Tatooine.]
Luke Skywalker. Okay, this should work. Ive followed the instructions to the letter.
[R2 whistles something.]
Luke Skywalker. Go back inside, R2. If anything happens, I need you to tell Leia.
[R2 leaves, whistling his protests as he goes. When R2 is safely inside, Luke flips the
switch of his lightsaber. The sabers blade arcs a full meter long, glowing green in the evening
twilight.]
Luke Skywalker. Okay, you can come out, R2. It works.
[R2 rolls out of Bens house.]

End Scene 26.

Begin Scene 27.

[INT. Avaros office on Rodia. Avaro speaks Basic, but with a lisp.]
Avaro. I see no problems. Solo is frozen, and Kenobi is dead. Your money is as good
as anybodys.
Leia. So youll put us it in touch with the proper people?
Avaro. Yes. It will take a few days, however. Local contacts wont do you any good.
You need an off-planet representative

Leia. Fine.
Avaro. Meanwhile, feel free to enjoy the casino. Rooms will be made available for
you.
[Leia nods. She, Lando, and Chewie stand up and leave. As they enter the casino,
Lando looks around excitedly.]
Leia. See anything you like, Lando?
Lando Calrissian. Well, a couple card games over there look pretty honest, but I cant
be too sure. But I am sure that the credit disk machines are rigged, so stay clear of those.
Leia. Dont worry. I dont gamble.
[Lando laughs.]
Leia. Whats so funny?
Lando Calrissian. Princess, youre the biggest gambler Ive ever seen. But you dont
bet with money, only your life.
[3PO then walks up to them.]
C-3PO. I hope your meeting went well, Princess Leia.
Lando Calrissian. Yeah, it did. But we might need you to translate, 3PO. Avaro had a
little trouble with his Basic.
C-3PO. Always happy to be of service, Master Lando.
Lando Calrissian. Come on, lets go get checked in. Then we can come back and see
how honest this operation really is.
[They exit.]

End Scene 27.

Begin Scene 28.

[INT. Avaros casino. Lando sits at a table with five other players.]
Dealer. The bet is fifteen. The sum is minimum and the color is open.
Bald Man. Match, in green.

Rodian. Match, in blue.

Lando Calrissian. Double in red.
[The other plays groan.]
C-3PO. I cant understand how Master Lando keeps winning. The odds of winning that
last round are 806:1.
Leia. [Whispering.] He bluffed, 3PO.
C-3PO. But that doesnt seem like a very wise move.
[Three players fold.]
Leia. Sure it is. Theyre intimidated that Lando keeps winning. Rather than risk losing
more money, they decide to fold.
C-3PO. But what if someone else has a superior hand?
Leia. Just watch, 3PO.
Bald Man. Match.
Rodian. Plus a tenth.
Lando Calrissian. Redouble in red, maximum count.
Bald Man. Too steep for me.
[The bald man folds. After several minutes, the Rodian curses, and folds.]
Dealer. The round goes to player number three.
[The group surrounding the table applauds. Leia notices Chewie looking over at a
hologame board.]
Leia. Come on. If you want to play, play. Ill watch, and 3PO can stand behind us and
offer bad advice.
[The three stand up and walk off, leaving Lando in his pile of winnings.]

End Scene 28.

Begin Scene 29.

[EXT. Ben Kenobis house on Tatooine. Luke is trying out his new lightsaber skills with
R2-D2. R2 fires a lightening bolt at Luke, which he blocks easily with his lightsaber.]
Luke Skywalker. Too easy, R2.
[R2 whistles something.]
Luke Skywalker. I know its not your fault youre no Darth Vader.
[Off in the distance, a large dust cloud is forming. Luke hears the roar of a number of
engines heading towards him.]
Luke Skywalker. Now who could that be? No one knows Im here. Hide inside, R2.
Ill go check this out.
[R2 whistles, and heads into Bens house. Luke runs over to a nearby sand dune, and
checks out his unexpected visitors. There are about a dozen of them, wearing mismatched
flight suits and goggles, riding a number of swoops. The swoopers circle around Bens house.
After several minutes, one of the bikers, spotting Luke, pulls his blaster up, and fires. The bolt
misses Luke, but turns a nearby pile of sand into muddy glass. Luke, realizing hes been
spotted, gets up and bolts away. The bikers follow.]
Biker. Blast the little runt to Bespin, boys!
[The biker fires another bolt, again missing Luke. Luke runs behind a large boulder,
and ignites his lightsaber. Standing up, Luke deflects a number of bolts very quickly, and then
ducks down as more fly at him. Seeing another swoop zoom in, Luke gets an idea. Very
carefully, he sneaks over the swoop and, as the biker turns around on the bike, Luke kicks him
off. Luke then turns off his saber, climbs onto the swoop, and twists the start ring. Luke then
aims the swoop at a group of bikers, and opens the throttles. The acceleration nearly outseats
him, but he manages to stay on the bike. Lukes flyby forces the group of bikers to scatter.
They regroup and tear after Luke, who turns his bike and heads off towards Beggars Canyon.]
[EXT. Beggars Canyon. Lukes swoop zooms in. As Luke enters the canyon, he looks
back, and sees the group of swoops still after him.]
Luke Skywalker. Try to beat me in my own backyard.

[Luke goes straight for about two kilometers, then makes a sharp right around Dead
Mans Turn.]
Luke Skywalker. Dead Mans Turn. Easy as sneezing.
[A large explosion behind Luke symbolizes one of the swoopers took the turn too fast.
Luke then zigzags to the left, then the right, then the left again. After these turns, he passes
through a hole in the middle of a stretched-out Z, which narrows at the end.]
Luke Skywalker. Four down, eight to go.
[Luke then looks into his rearview mirror, to see another swooper fly in.]
Luke Skywalker. Okay, time to thread the Stone Needle.
[Luke takes an abrupt left turn, guns his turbojets, and heads towards the Stone
Needle. Luke flies through a narrow slot of rock with jagged rock teeth lining it, a piece of his
jacket catching one of the jags. The swooper behind Luke doesnt gun his swoop enough, and
crashes into the Needle. The other swoopers are luckier, and continue to follow Luke. After
several more minutes, Luke hears one of them yell to the others.]
Biker #2. Hes got help, Spiker! Were not going to win this one; lets burn!
[Luke gets an amazed look on his face, asking himself who would be helping him. Luke
slows down his swoop, and looks behind him. He sees a swooper wearing all blue, and
haphazardly firing a blaster at the swoopers. After they disappear, the swooper ignites his
engines, and lowers the bike to the ground. Shutting off the engine, he pulls off his helmet,
revealing Dash Rendar.]
Luke Skywalker. What are you doing here?
Dash Rendar. Saving your butt from swoop scum, it looks like. Did you see those
guys tattoos? They work for Jabba the Hutt. Looks like Darth Vader is no longer your secret
admirer.

End Scene 29.

Begin Scene 30.

[INT. The Emperors chambers on Imperial Center. The Emperor is talking with Prince
Xizor.]
The Emperor. Prince Xizor. What a pleasant surprise.
Xizor. The pleasure is all mine.
The Emperor. Please, sit down. What brings you down here?
Xizor. I was just wondering about Lord Vaders attack on the Rebel shipyard.
The Emperor. How do you know of this attack?
Xizor. Im surprised Lord Vader didnt mention it to you. It was my spies who gave me
the location of the base. I, of course, relayed that information to Lord Vader.
The Emperor. I see. I am expecting a report from Lord Vader soon. Wont you join
me for some refreshments while we wait?
Xizor. It would be an honor, my Emperor.
End Scene 30.

Begin Scene 31.

[INT. Darth Vaders Super Star Destroyer, the Executor. Vader steps into his holocam
field. The image of the Emperor appears, and Vader lowers himself to one knee.]
The Emperor. Ah, Lord Vader. What is your report?
Darth Vader. The Rebel shipyard in the Baji Sector is no more. We destroyed
hundreds of vessels and thousands of the enemy within.
The Emperor. Good. Very good.
[The Emperor waves his hand, and his end of the holocam adjusts, revealing Xizor
standing a few meters away. Vader inhales involuntarily. He allows his breather to resume its
normal function.]
The Emperor. Prince Xizor was just telling me how happy he was to provide the
Empire with the location of the Rebel base. We owe him much gratitude, dont we, Lord
Vader?
Darth Vader. The Empire owes you much thanks, Prince Xizor.

Xizor. Oh, think nothing of it, Lord Vader. As you know, I am always willing to provide
aid in any ways that I can.
The Emperor. I hope to see you soon, Lord Vader.
Darth Vader. Yes, my master. We are returning to Imperial Center as we speak.
The Emperor. Good.
[The Emperor ends the transmission. Vader stands up, and exits. As he does, a junior
officer walks up to him.]
Officer. Lord Vader, we
[Vader clenches his hand into a fist, and the officer begins to choke.]
Darth Vader. I do not wish to be disturbed. Is that clear?
Officer. Yes, Lord Vader.
[Vader unclenches his fist, and the officer falls down, clutching his throat.]

End Scene 31.

Begin Scene 32.

[INT. Xizors throne room on Imperial Center.]
Xizor. Magnify image. Full scale.
[The image magnifies six fold. Standing on his desktop is a holographic image of Leia.]
Xizor. So this is the Princess Leia Organa.
Guri. She approached Avaro in the gambling complex on Rodia, seeking to set up a
meeting with a high-ranking member of Black Sun.
Xizor. Now why would she do that? The Rebellion has never been one to soil their
clean, revolutionary hands with common criminal dirt like Black Sun. Go and find out what she
wants.
[Guri doesnt move, nor does she reply.]
Xizor. A problem?
Guri. The task does seem particularly challenging.

Xizor. Perhaps not. But if our information is correct, Leia Organa is close to only a
small number of people, one of them being Luke Skywalker. It is a high order of probability
that she knows where he is. She may be the easiest way to locate him. I may be able to find
ause for her.
[Guri bows, and exits.]

End Scene 32.

Begin Scene 33.

[INT. Ben Kenobis house on Tatooine.]
Luke Skywalker. So where *is* Leia?
Dash Rendar. Rodia. Shes trying to connect up with Black Sun.
[In his surprise, Luke drops a cooler of water.]
Luke Skywalker. Black Sun? Is she out her mind?
Dash Rendar. So youre a Black Sun expert, are you?
Luke Skywalker. Well, no. But Han had dealings with them a number of years ago.
He told me all about it when we were cooped up together on Hoth. He said they were more
dangerous than the Empire. Why would Leia want to connect up with them?
Dash Rendar. Who can say? Maybe she thinks they know whos trying to do you in.
[Luke walks over and fills up a new water container. He walks back to Dash, and hands
it to him, who pours himself a large cup.]
Dash Rendar. So whats the drill, kid? You gonna go ask the Hutt why he sent his
goons after you?
Luke Skywalker. Jabbas got no reason to come after me.
[R2 suddenly whistles very frantically.]
Dash Rendar. What is it?
Luke Skywalker. It sounds like someone or something is outside.

[Dash checks the charge reading on his blaster, and Luke touches the lightsaber on his
belt. The pair walk over to the doorway, and up in sky, see a rocket zoom through the
atmosphere, and begin a braking descent.]
Luke Skywalker. It looks like a message droid.
[Dash re-holsters his blaster.]
Dash Rendar. Who knows youre here, kid?
Luke Skywalker. No one except for Leia, Lando, Chewie, and 3PO.
Dash Rendar. And Jabba the Hutt. But I doubt hes spend the money for a message
droid when he could drop by for a local call.
Luke Skywalker. It could be for you.
Dash Rendar. I doubt it. I dont leave forwarding addresses. Only your friends know
Im here, and I know theyd have no reason to call me.
Luke Skywalker. Maybe its for Ben. Someone who doesnt know hes dead.
Dash Rendar. Lets go check it out.
[They go out, and bring the droid back inside the house.]
Message droid. I have a message for Princess Leia Organa.
Luke Skywalker. How many times do I have to tell you? She isnt here. R2, can you
talk to this thing?
[R2 whistles to the message droid.]
Message droid. I am empowered to deliver the message to an authorized
representative of Princess Leia Organa in her absence.
Luke Skywalker. Now were getting somewhere. Tell me, Im Leiasauthorized
representative.
Message droid. Password?
Luke Skywalker. UhLuke Skywalker.
Message droid. That password is incorrect.
[Dash laughs.]
Luke Skywalker. UmHan Solo.

Message droid. That password is incorrect.

Dash Rendar. Are you going to sit here and list all the people you know?
Luke Skywalker. Be quiet, Dash. Im thinking. UmAlderaan.
Message droid. Password correct.
[A plate on the droid slides back, revealing a holoprojector. The projector starts up,
showing a hologram of a Bothan spy.]
Koth Melan. Greetings, Princess Leia. Koth Melan here, speaking from my home
planet of Bothawui. The Bothan spynet has information that is of vital importance to the
Alliance. The data is so significant, it was worth the risk of sending you this message droid. I
cannot emphasize enough the importance of this information, so I beg you to come to
Bothawui immediately. I will be at the Intergalactic Trade Mission for five standard days. The
Alliance must act in that time, or the information may be lost.
[The projector shuts down.]
Luke Skywalker. It would take too long to go find Leia and bring her back. Were
going to have to go in her place.
Dash Rendar. Why? The message droid was for her.
Luke Skywalker. Im her authorized representative. I got the password right, so
whatever information this Koth Melan has got, he can tell it to me. And Im going, whether you
like it or not.
Dash Rendar. Well, youre worth more to me alive than dead. Id better protect my
fee. Ill take one of the swoops back to Mos Eisley and get the Outrider, and then meet you in
orbit.
Luke Skywalker. Deal. Come on, R2, lets go get the X-Wing ready. Were going for
a little trip.

End Scene 33.

Begin Scene 34.

[INT. Xizors room on Imperial Center. Guri is preparing to leave for Rodia.]
Xizor. Before you leave, I have another errand for you. There is a secret document in
my personal files under the heading Route. You know what it is.
Guri. Yes.
Xizor. Download it and see that it gets into the hands of our double agent on
Bothawui. Make it known to him that we are responsible for its delivery.
Guri. It does not seem to be in your best interests to do this.
Xizor. Ah, but it is. By having Black Sun put this piece of information into Rebel
hands, they will be much more apt to trust us. In the unlikely event that the Rebellion should
destroy the Empire, the Rebels will remember Black Sun as friends, and not enemies.
Guri. Yes, Prince Xizor.
[Guri bows, and leaves the room.]

End Scene 34.

Begin Scene 35.

[EXT. The surface of Bothawui. Luke and Dash are headed towards the Intergalactic
Trade Mission to meet Koth Melan.]
Luke Skywalker. The whole planet is very cosmopolitan, considering theres a war
going on.
Dash Rendar. Yeah, but a lot of spying goes on here. And Bothawui is one of the
more active hubbubs for intergalactic representatives. Both the Empire and the Rebellion
have spies here, and both of them have decided that the planet is neutral territory.
[Luke and Dash arrive at the Mission. As they enter the building, they are stopped by a
Bothan guard.]
Bothan guard. Do you have a pass?
Luke Skywalker. Um, no. We had to get here on pretty short notice. We have a
meeting in one of the buildings offices.

Bothan guard. Im sorry, sir. I cant let you in without a pass.

[Luke decides to try and use the Force. However, before he is able, Dash pulls the
guard aside. After a few minutes of silent conversation, Luke sees Dash push something into
the guards hand. Dash then walks back, and the guard waves them in.]
Luke Skywalker. What did you say to him?
Dash Rendar. Nothing of importance. But that hundred-credit coin said to him,
These are pretty good guys, so why dont you let them in?
Luke Skywalker. You bribed him?
Dash Rendar. Dont get out much, do you? Thats how things work in the real world.
You count your blessings in cash, kid. With enough of it, you can go as far and as fast as you
want. Were inside the building, so no harm, no foul. And in case anyone asks, the guard
never saw us.
Luke Skywalker. Dash, I just want you to know that even the universe itself is curved.
If you run far enough and fast enough, you end up right where you began.
[Luke and Dash approach a protocol droid.]
Luke Skywalker. Excuse me. Where would we find Koth Melan?
Droid. Level sixteen, room number seven.
Luke Skywalker. Thank you.
[Luke and Dash enter one of the nearby turbolifts. When they get off, they notice
another protocol droid, this one gold, and looks remarkably like C-3PO.]
R04. Good morning. How may I assist you?
Luke Skywalker. Leia Organa is supposed to see Koth Melan.
R04. You are Leia Organa?
Luke Skywalker. No, Im not Leia. Im herrepresentative. Luke Skywalker. We
dont have an appointment, but since he wanted to see Leia, hell want to see us.
R04. That does not seem very logical.
Luke Skywalker. Can you just tell him were here, please?

R04. Im sorry, but Master Melan is very busy. I do believe he will be able to see you
in a standard week. What are your names, please?
[Luke pulls Dash aside.]
Luke Skywalker. What are we going to do? We cant bribe him, and the Force wont
work. How are we going to get in?
Dash Rendar. Not a problem.
[Dash pulls out his blaster, then walks back up to the droid.]
Dash Rendar. Okay, Goldie. My name is Man With a Blaster About to Cook You. Now
either you open that door, or else your busy Bothan is going to have to find himself a new
receptionist. Capiche?
R04. Oh, dear!
Dash Rendar. And no security alarms, either. Go open the door manually.
R04. Very well, Man With a Blaster About to Cook You.
Luke Skywalker. Droids can be too literal sometimes.
[R04 opens the door, and leads Luke and Dash inside.]
R04. Im terribly sorry to interrupt, Master Melan, but
Koth Melan. Its all right, R04. Ill see them.
[The droid nods, and exits.]
Luke Skywalker. Excuse the way we came in, Mr. Melan, but we had to see you.
Koth Melan. I know. Youre Luke Skywalker, and youre Dash Rendar. Please, take a
seat. Ive been expecting you. And put away the hardware, Mr. Rendar. You wont need it.
[Luke and Dash exchange surprised looks, but take seats in front of Melans desk, Dash
holstering his blaster.]
Koth Melan. Perhaps I should explain. Not long ago, I discovered that Princess Leia
was no longer on Tatooine. It was too late to recall the message droid I sent. And because
youre here, I assume you knew the password Princess Leia and I agreed upon. And Mr.
Skywalker, I know your reputation and your work for the Alliance. Very commendable. And

Mr. Rendar, I also know of your reputation. I am surprised, however, to see you working for the
Alliance.
Dash Rendar. Im not. Im on loan at the moment.
Koth Melan. Well, at least youre here and we can get to business.
Luke Skywalker. How did you know we werent disguised Imperial assassins?
Koth Melan. Because when you arrived in the building, you were scanned by the
guard you bribed, and again on the turbolift, and positively identified. If you had been
assassins, you would have arrived on a level with a dozen armed guards pointing their
weapons at you when the lift doors opened.
Luke Skywalker. Really?
Koth Melan. I have many enemies, so I have learned to be cautious. And one can
never be too cautious.
Luke Skywalker. Whats so important that you sent a message droid to Leia?
Koth Melan. The Empire has begun a large, very secret construction project. We
dont know what or where this project is, but we do know it is very large. The Empire has
diverted a large sum of money, materials, and personnel for this project.
Luke Skywalker. How do you know all of this?
Koth Melan. The Bothan spynet is second to none, Mr. Skywalker. As you and Mr.
Rendar did with the guard downstairs, we bribed a high-ranking Imperial officer. Given what
he gave us, we tried to infiltrate a slicer droid into Imperial Centers main computer complex.
Unfortunately, the Empire found out, and that part of our plan failed. However, we were able
to find out that the plans the Empire is holding are kept closely guarded in special computers
with no outside lines. Therefore, there is no way to access this information from a large
distance, and no way to access it by direct hands-on contact. And from what all weve learned,
this project doesnt bode well for the Rebellion.
Luke Skywalker. So what are we supposed to do about it?
Koth Melan. Our Bothan operatives have collected intel that indicates one of these
computers is being sent from Imperial Center to Bothawui. Our beliefs are that the Alliance

would benefit from the acquisition of this computer as well as the information stored in it, to
gain a sense of what the Empire is up to.
Luke Skywalker. That sounds reasonable. How do we get our hands on it?
Koth Melan. We have learned that the Empire intends to send the computer to
Bothawui on a ship posing as a simple freighter carrying fertilizer, their reasoning being it
wont draw the attention of the Rebellion as a heavily armed convoy would.
Dash Rendar. A freighter full of fertilizer; that is devious. Whod hijack that?
Koth Melan. Our intel tells us that the computer should be here in a day or two.
There are Bothans who have Alliance sympathies willing to help secure the freighter, but are
relatively unskilled in these sort of matters. It would help if they had a commander with some
experience in space battles to lead them.
Luke Skywalker. Thats me. [Turning to Dash.] What about you? You in?
Dash Rendar. Risk my ship and neck? For what?
Luke Skywalker. I thought you wanted to keep me alive, Dash.
[Dash scoffs.]
Dash Rendar. You aint worth that much, kid.
Luke Skywalker. If the information is as valuable as the Bothans make it out to be, I
might be able to sway Leia into giving you a little something extra.
Dash Rendar. All right. Ive got nothing else to do.

End Scene 35.

Begin Scene 36.

[INT. A hanger in the mountains of Bothawui, where Luke, Dash, and Koth Melan are
meeting the Bothan pilots.]
Luke Skywalker. The BTL-S3. Two seated Y-Wing fighters. Theyre not as fast as TIE
fighters or X-Wings, but they can take a lot of punishment.

Dash Rendar. Antiques. Theyd probably have to get out and push if they wanted to
go faster than a broken-leg droid.
[Ignoring Dashs comment, Luke waves over the squad leader.]
Luke Skywalker. You have astromech droids for all of these?
Squad Leader. Yes, sir. The ships have Taim & Bak IX-Four laser cannons, which run
off of the standard Novaldex generators. Unfortunately, we dont have proton torpedoes for
the Arakyrd launchers.
Luke Skywalker. Not a problem. We dont want to blow the freighter apart, anyway.
We want it all in one piece. How much flying time does your squad have?
Squad Leader. Not much, Im afraid. A hundred hours or less. But the boys are
pretty quick and the gunners are fair shots. Not much practice, though.
Luke Skywalker. Ooh, thats not good. But we do have a few days before our target
arrives. Lets try and find a place out of the way to practice a few maneuvers.
Squad Leader. That would be fantastic, Commander Skywalker. The whole squad is
at your disposal.
[Luke pats the Bothan on the back, and the scene fades.]

End Scene 36.

Begin Scene 37.

[INT. Avaros gambling complex on Rodia.]
Avaro. I just got a com from off-planet. Black Suns representative is en route. She
will be here in three days
Leia. Pardon me, but did you just say she?
Avaro. Yes.
Leia. Thank you. [As Avaro waddles off.] She? Well, why not? Its not set in stone
that a woman cant be a criminal.

End Scene 37.

Begin Scene 38.

[INT. The mountain hanger on Bothawui.]
Bothan. Okay, here are the coordinates for the freighters flight plan.
Koth Melan. Any ideas what it could be?
Bothan. Not even rumors. This thing is closed tighter than a Corellian clam.
Koth Melan. And youre sure these coordinates are accurate?
Bothan. Positive. I received the intel from our underworld contact. Shes never
delivered false information before.
Luke Skywalker. Underworld contact?
Bothan. Black Sun.
[Luke and Dash exchange glances.]
Luke Skywalker. Black Sun?
Koth Melan. Theyve provided valuable information before. It appears they believe
the Rebellion will win the war against the Empire.
Dash Rendar. They must be the only ones.
Luke Skywalker. War makes strange bedfellows, Dash.
Koth Melan. Indeed. And one must use the tools one has.
Dash Rendar. It sounds pretty fishy. Theyre probably going to expect something in
return for something this valuable.
Luke Skywalker. Well deal with that when it arises.
Bothan. They havent asked for anything.
Dash Rendar. Not yet they havent. But they will.
Luke Skywalker. As I said, well deal with that later. How long does the squad need
to prepare?
Koth Melan. Theyve been put on alert already. Well need to be in position in three
standard hours.

Luke Skywalker. We?

Dash Rendar. Mr. Melan here will be coming with me on the Outrider. Hope you can
cook, though. You might get hungry waiting for this freighter.
Luke Skywalker. I doubt well have time to eat, Dash.
Dash Rendar. Maybe not you, kid, but I can fly and eat at the same time.
Luke Skywalker. Youre really very full of yourself, did you know that? Its a wonder
you dont explode and spew ego all over the place. Come on, lets get to our ships.
Dash Rendar. Aye aye, Commander.
[The group all head to their respective ships.]

End Scene 38.

Begin Scene 39.

[EXT. Space. Lukes X-Wing leads the dozen Bothan pilots in their Y-Wings, followed by
Dash and Koth Melan in the Outrider.]
Luke Skywalker. Keep tight, boys. Blue Squad count off.
[Blue Squad acknowledges.]
Luke Skywalker. Copy. Stall them in position. The freighter should be emerging a
hundred meters away.
[The freighter emerges, but only fifty klicks away. It is a Corellian freighter, a long oval
with the ends squared off.]
Luke Skywalker. Heads up, Blue Squad. Theres our target! Attack formation!
[Luke switches his com to an open channel.]
Luke Skywalker. Attention, freighter Suprosa. This is Commander Skywalker of the
Rebel Alliance. Shut down your engines and prepare to be boarded.
Captain. This is the captain. Are you crazy? Were carrying fertilizer here! What kind
of pirates are you?

Luke Skywalker. We are not pirates. We are with the Rebel Alliance. And maybe we
have a big garden, sir. Pull it up and no one gets hurt.
[A pause.]
Captain. Listen, kid, Im under contract to XTS. And Im going to deliver my shipment
of fertilizer whether you like it or not. Go bother a gun or spice smuggler, why dont you.
Luke Skywalker. Either shut down your engines, or well shut them down for you.
These gunners can pick flies off a wall with their laser cannons.
[The freighter drops its cargo, turns to starboard, and fires its thrust. Luke notices this,
and switches his com back to Blue Squad.]
Luke Skywalker. Weve gotta do it the hard way, Blue Squad. Target the engines
only; we dont want to blow this baby up. It should only take a couple hits to knock them out,
assuming they have standard shields.
[R2 whistles something to Luke.]
Luke Skywalker. Put it onscreen, R2.
[An image shows up on Lukes screen. A number of red lights blink, and another two
lights flash blue. On the freighter, plates slide back revealing hidden weapons.]
Luke Skywalker. Heads up, Blue Squad. This baby has got teeth! Its not going to be
that easy after all. Its got laser cannons on the fore and aft, and it looks like missile launchers
on the ventral and dorsal. Be careful!
[Luke swings his X-Wing around as a laser bolt flies whizzes past. He sees Blue Four
dive at the freighter, targeting the engines. The beam strokes the compartment, but as the
bolt hits, a blue splash reveals to Luke that the ship has augmented shields.]
Luke Skywalker. Oh, drat. This baby has got augmented shields; its not going to be
as easy as we thought, Blue Squad.
[The freighter fires its laser cannon and blows Blue Four into scrap.]
Luke Skywalker. Blue Squad, break off and regroup! That ship has got some major
wattage behind those guns!

[Blue Two, who was flying in for an attack, breaks off, but too late; he ends up
shattered history. The other four members of Blue Squad loop around the ship, as does the
Outrider. Luke sees the ship blow a cloud of gas into space.]
Luke Skywalker. Hes got a missile off!
Dash Rendar. Ive got it! Ill hammer that spike into scrap!
[The Outrider swoops in, Dash firing the laser cannons, which have no effect.]
Dash Rendar. Ive got to be hitting it! Why doesnt it stop?
Luke Skywalker. Dash, break off!
Dash Rendar. Im going to get this thing, Luke! Stop, you piece of junk, stop!
Blue Six. Watch out, Blue Leader! Scatter!
[The missile detonates, destroying four of the Y-Wings.]
Dash Rendar. I cant have missed! I cant!
[Luke, anger filling him, turns his X-Wing around, and without using the Force, ignoring
R2s whistles etc., fires at the ships engines. After a number of blasts, the shields collapse,
and the engines burn out. Luke breathes a sigh of relief, then switches his com channel.]
Luke Skywalker. Attention, freighter Suprosa. Your engines are dead, captain. And
thats what you and your crew will be if you fire another laser or missile. Do you copy?
Captain. [After a brief pause.] We copy.
Luke Skywalker. You are hereby considered prisoners of war. Stand by to be
boarded.

End Scene 39.

Begin Scene 40.

[INT. Avaros gambling complex on Rodia.]
Rodian. [In Huttese.] Black Suns representative has arrived.
Leia. Tell her to meet us at the Next Chance hotel.
[The Rodian bows, and exits.]

]Leia walks over to Chewbacca and C-3PO, who are playing a holographic game.]
Leia. Lets go, boys. We have company.
[They walk to their hotel, two casinos away. When they arrive, they are met by Lando
at the door.]
Leia. Everything all set?
Lando Calrissian. Yes. Ill be behind the bedroom door. In case our guest needs to
use the refresher.
Leia. Good. Chewie, youve got the hall.
[Chewie nods, and exits.]
Leia. 3PO, go stand by the bar.
C-3PO. Yes, Princess Leia.
[As 3PO moves to the bar, Leia moves behind a desk and sits down.]
[Chewie calls from O.S.]
Leia. Send her in.

End Scene 40.

Begin Scene 41.

[INT. The Outrider. Koth Melan holds the secured computer easily in his palms.]
Luke Skywalker. Can you access the programs?
Koth Melan. Unfortunately, no. Its likely to be encrypted, as well as equipped with a
self-destruct mechanism. Our best chance to access the files is to send it over to Kothlis, a
Bothan colony a few light-years away.
Luke Skywalker. Id like to tag along, if its not too much trouble.
Koth Melan. No trouble at all. You can reach it easily in your X-Wing. Ill give you the
proper coordinates.
[Luke turns to Dash, whos still rattled that he screwed up.]
Luke Skywalker. Dash.

Dash Rendar. Theres no way I could have missed! No way!

Luke Skywalker. Dash!
[Dash starts, and turns around.]
Dash Rendar. Huh? You say something?
[Luke pulls Melan aside.]
Luke Skywalker. Are we apt to run into any Imperial trouble en route to Kothlis?
Koth Melan. I cant say for sure. But it certainly is possible.
Luke Skywalker. Would it be possible for the Bothan spynet to locate Princess Leia?
Koth Melan. As of yesterday, she was on Rodia, at Avaro Sookcools casino in the
gambling complex.
Luke Skywalker. I must say, you guys are good. I cant take Dash along; hes too
rattled. His minds not where it should be. [Luke turns back to Dash.] Dash.
Dash Rendar. It was in my sights. No way I could have missed.
Luke Skywalker. Dash!
Dash Rendar. What?
Luke Skywalker. Go to Rodia and find Leia. Tell her about the computer and the
secret plans. Got it?
Dash Rendar. I should go with you.
Luke Skywalker. No, its much more important that you find Leia.
Dash Rendar. All right. Rodia. Plans. Got it.
[Luke and Melan exit.]

End Scene 41.

Begin Scene 42.

[INT. Leias room at the Next Chance hotel. Guri has arrived, and she and Leia are
sitting on opposite sides of a long table.]

Guri. It is my understanding you wanted to hold a meeting with a high-ranking

member of Black Sun. How may we serve you, Princess Leia?
Leia. I understand that Black Sun has one of the largest intelligence-gathering
capabilities.
Guri. We hear things from time to time.
[Leia smiles.]
Leia. Would you like some refreshment?
Guri. Tea, if its not too much trouble. Hot.
Leia. And the same for me, 3PO, with lots of cream and lots of sugar.
[As 3PO leaves, Leia smiles at Guri.]
Leia. I hope your flight was pleasant?
Guri. Quite. And I hope that your stay here has been equally pleasant?
[Leia nods, and the conversations stay very bland and dull. Then]
Guri. Black Sun is always willing to accommodate the Alliance. We would not be
unhappy if the Empire was to lose this war against the Rebellion, and the Alliance rises to
power.
Leia. Well, the Alliance might be a little stricter than the Empire is in regards to
criminal activities.
Guri. Black Sun is becoming less and less interested in illicit activities. Most of our
revenue comes from more or less legit operations. And as I have said before, Black Sun is in
sympathy to the Alliance. We have provided valuable information a number of times. In fact,
we recently aided the Alliance in obtaining plans for a large construction project of the
Empires, by way of the Bothan spynet.
Leia. Really? I hadnt heard that.
Guri. It was very recent. I doubt the news would have time to reach you here.
[Leia sits back, and tries to copy Guris relaxed pose, thinking about what she has just
said.]

Guri. I must ask if we can continue this conversation at a later date. I have pressing
matters to deal with on one of the local moons.
Leia. Certainly. How long will you be away?
Guri. Three or four days, at the most.
[Leia nods, and she and Guri stand up, and Leia shows Guri the way out. After she
leaves, Lando comes in from the refresher, and Chewbacca enters from the hall.]
Leia. So, what did you think?
Lando Calrissian. Man, shes a smooth piece of work. You could stack ice cubes on
her head and they wouldnt melt.
C-3PO. I was unable to place her accent, which is decidedly odd, considering I am
fluent in over six million forms of communication.
[Chewbacca says something in Wookie.]
C-3PO. Chewbacca says that the woman made her very nervous.
Lando Calrissian. He didnt say very. Just nervous.
C-3PO. I inferred the modifier from his tone.
Lando Calrissian. So youre saying my Wookiespeak is bad?
C-3PO. Of course not, Master Lando.
Leia. Dont start a row, Lando. Very or not, few things make Wookies nervous. I think
the next time she shows up, we should prepare our reception a little bit more carefully.

End Scene 42.

Begin Scene 43.

[INT. Xizors office on Imperial Center.]
Xizor. So what did you think of her?
Guri. Shes very adept at meaningless small talk. She revealed nothing of what she
really wanted, except that it has to do with our intelligence gathering. She is physically
attracted to one of her species and related species, and she is intelligent.

Xizor. Your suggestions?

Guri. Kill her. Kill the Wookie and the gambler. Wipe the protocol droids memory and
melt it down. And to be safe, eliminate Avaro as well.
Xizor. I think not. Go back and meet with her again. Lets try to find out what shes
really after, how much she knows, and who shes told. And then bring her to me. She could be
instrumental in finding out where Skywalker is. Once I determine that, you may dispose of her.
[Guri nods, and exits.]

End Scene 43.

Being Scene 44.

[INT. The Next Chance hotel. Lando and Chewie are installing a surveillance system.]
Leia. Are you sure this thing is going to work?
[Chewie says something in Wookie.]
C-3PO. He says if it doesnt, it was because it was improperly installed.
[Leia turns to look at Lando.]
Lando Calrissian. What are you looking at me for? The guy who sold it to me said it
was top of the line. The power supply is good for a whole year. It should work; it sure cost me
enough.
Leia. Hardly a dent in your winnings, Im sure.
Lando Calrissian. Oh, it was a dent. It had better work, too.
[Chewie says something in Wookie.]
C-3PO. Chewbacca says the system is ready for testing.
[Leia walks over to the desk, and sits down.
Lando Calrissian. The unit is under the file Bioscan.
[Leia opens the file, turns the holographic mode off and the bioscanner on.]
Leia. Okay, lets test it out. Everybody out.

[Lando, Chewie, and 3PO exit the room. One by one, Leia calls them in, and the
scanner scans them and displays the results to Leia.]
Leia. It seems to be working.
[Landos com beeps, and he takes his comlink off his belt.]
Lando Calrissian. Yeah.
Contact. A ship has just arrived; the Outrider, piloted by
Leia. Dash Rendar? Whats he doing here? Hes supposed to be watching Luke!
Lando Calrissian. Lets go find out.
[They exit, and walk along a number of hallways. After several minutes, they meet up
with Dash, who looks worse for the wear.]
Leia. Is Luke okay?
Dash Rendar. Hes fine. He doesnt need my help.
Lando Calrissian. You dont look so good. Trouble?
Dash Rendar. Its a long story.
Lando Calrissian. Come on back to the room. You can explain on the way.
[They walk off, and Dash begins explaining about the battle with the freighter.]
Lando Calrissian. Any idea what these secret plans are?
Dash Rendar. Nope. But the Bothans sent the computer over to Kothlis, and Luke
went with them.
Lando Calrissian. Dont worry about it, Dash. Everybody misses sometimes.
Dash Rendar. Not me. I never miss. Bothans are dead because of me, do I have to
spell it out for you?
Leia. Lets just finish this business with Black Sun. Then we can worry about Luke.

End Scene 44.

Begin Scene 45.

[INT. A lounge on Kothlis, where Luke meets up with Koth Melan.]

Koth Melan. Any troubles?

Luke Skywalker. Nope. Now what do we do?
Koth Melan. We have a safe house a few kilometers away, and the extraction of the
computers information is already underway. We can go and wait until theyre done.
Luke Skywalker. How long will that take?
Koth Melan. Who can say? Could be days. But only a few hours if were lucky. I
have a speeder waiting outside.
Luke Skywalker. Lead on. Lets go try and find out what the Empire thinks is so
valuable.
[They exit the lounge, and climb into Melans speeder. An eagle-eye view shows the
speeder zooming towards the safe house. After several minutes, the speeder stops, and Luke
and Melan climb out, and enter the safe house.]
Koth Melan. Over this way.
[He leads Luke down a hallway to a secure door. Melan shows the guard an ID, and
they are allowed to enter. A number of Bothan technicians are sitting at terminals connected
to the hijacked computer, and information dances in the air.]
Koth Melan. Not much to see, Im afraid. Unless youre an expert in this kind of thing,
all of this just looks like mumbo jumbo.
Luke Skywalker. What does all of this mean?
Koth Melan. Youve got me. The Bothans are spies, not programmers. What I know
about programming, you could inscribe in durasteel with a dull sword.
Bothan #1. Hey, hey, hey! Look at this!
Bothan #2. Oh, sister!
[Luke and Melan run over.]
Luke Skywalker. What is it?
[Before the tech can reply, the wall implodes, and a number of people enter through
the hole, and begin firing their blasters.]

End Scene 45.

Begin Scene 46.

[INT. Leias room in the Next Chance hotel. Sitting opposite her is Guri, who has
returned from Imperial Center. Glancing at the computer screen inset into the desk, Leia sees
that the information reveals Guri isnt human.]
Leia. Would you care for some refreshments?
Guri. Tea would be fine.
Leia. 3PO, can you fix two cups of the special tea blend?
[3PO nods, and exits. Leia again glances at the scanner, and reads that Guris skin is
ten years old.]
Leia. I trust your business went well?
Guri. It did.
CUT TO: 3PO, fixing the tea. Into one of the cups he pours a liquid, which turns out to
be sleeping potion.
CUT BACK TO: Leia and Guri. 3PO brings the tea. After giving Guri one of the cups, he
turns to Leia. She sees his left illuminator blink off, and then back on. Leia smiles.]

End Scene 46.

Begin Scene 47.

[INT. The safe house on Bothawui. The unknown assailants are still firing their blasters.
Luke unhooks his lightsaber from his belt, and ignites it, blocking a bolt that is shot his way.
Koth Melan pulls out a small blaster of his own, and fires back at the attackers, putting a bolt
right between one of the attackers eyes. Luke jumps in front of Melan, and blocks a number
of bolts with his saber. Melan fires his own bolts, but more attackers crowd into the room.]
Koth Melan. There are too many of them! This way!
[Melan runs to his right, and Luke follows.]

End Scene 47.

Begin Scene 48.

[INT. Leias room at the Next Chance hotel. Twenty minutes have passed, and Leia
realizes the sleeping potion isnt working.]
Guri. All right, Leia Organa. This has gone on long enough.
Leia. Excuse me?
[Guri raises her tea cup in one hand and squeezes. Her hand begins to tremble, and
then the cup shatters, sending porcelain everywhere.]
Guri. I can do that to your head. You probably have a weapon hidden somewhere.
But I must warn you that I am much quicker than you, and I can get to you before you can get
to it.
Leia. Suppose I believe you. What exactly do you want?
Guri. You are going to accompany me to Imperial Center. You will tell the Wookie in
the hall to stay here while we leave. Otherwise, he dies.
Leia. I dont think so. Whoever or whatever you are, I bet you arent faster than a
blaster bolt. Lando? Dash?
[Lando and Dash enter from the refresher, their blasters leveled at Guri. Chewbacca
enters from the hall, his bowcaster targeted at Guris back. Guri glances at the three of them,
then back at Leia.]
Guri. You have the advantage, it would seem. What do you propose?

End Scene 48.

Begin Scene 49.

[INT. The warehouse on Bothawui. One of the Bothan technicians grabs the computer,
and pulls out the connectors.]

Koth Melan. Run! Well cover you!

[The technician runs towards the back of the room, where a section of wall slides back,
revealing a hidden passageway. Melan empties his blaster charge at a number of incoming
attackers. The weapon clicks empty, and he tosses it away.]
Koth Melan. Lets go!
[Luke nods, and runs towards the passageway, Melan behind him. After several steps,
a blaster bolt hits Melan, and he falls to the ground. Luke stops, and runs back to him.]
Koth Melan. Go! Its too late for me. Get yourself out!
Luke Skywalker. I cant leave you here.
Koth Melan. Its too late!
[As a number of attackers rush towards them, Luke deflects a number of blaster bolts
with his lightsaber.]
Koth Melan. Luke thanks. I
[Melan goes limp, obviously dead, and lets out a death rattle. The number of attackers
grows, and soon, about fifteen of them stand around Luke.]
Barabel. Turn off your saber. You cant win, Skywalker.
[Luke clicks his lightsaber off.]
Barabel. Wise move. Take his weapon.
[Another Barabel steps in, and takes Lukes lightsaber.]
Luke Skywalker. What do you want?
Barabel. Sorry, but we want you, Skywalker.

End Scene 49.

Begin Scene 50.

[INT. Leias room at the Next Chance hotel. She, Chewie, Lando, and Dash are
surrounding Guri, who has been tied to a chair with a steel cable. Dash is leaning against a
wall, with his blaster aimed at Guri.]

Dash Rendar. Youre going to dance into the heart of the Empire, just like that?
Leia. I have connections on Imperial Center. Thisperson who represents Black Sun is
our only link to them.
Dash Rendar. How are you going to get there? Book a compartment on a liner?
Leia. Ill contact the Alliance and have them supply us with a small ship with security
clearance.
Guri. Excuse me, but there is an easier way.
Leia. What are you talking about?
Guri. You want to go to Imperial Center and meet with the head of Black Sun, do you
not? I was sent to provide you escort for such a trip.
Leia. Then why the threats?
Guri. It was the fastest way. It would be very risky for you to try and sneak onto
Imperial Center with no escort. I would be able to greatly lessen that risk.
Leia. And why should we trust you?
Guri. Because I work for Prince Xizor.
[Leia turns to look at Lando and Dash.]
Dash Rendar. Xizor is the head of Black Sun.
Lando Calrissian. I dont like this much, Leia.
Leia. Neither do I, Lando. But weve got no other choices. Dash, untie her.
Guri. There is no need.
[Guri stands up, and for several seconds, strains against the cables. The bonds then
snap like rubber bands.
End Scene 50.

Begin Scene 51.

[INT. An unknown building on Kothlis. Luke is being kept in a small cell by his captors.
The cell is a very dull gray color, and a window at eye level is criss-crossed with metal mesh. A

heavy cot is bolted to the floor, with a thin pad and a blanket. Luke takes a look around, and
after several seconds, the door clicks open, and one of his captors walks in.]
Luke Skywalker. Whats going on?
Skahtul. I am Skahtul. I make my living as a bounty hunter, as do the others with me.
There is a very large reward being offered for Luke Skywalker, alive and well, no questions
asked. Oddly enough, there is another reward being offered for Luke Skywalker. This one is
for him you dead. Unfortunately, the second reward is not nearly as well paying as the first.
So for now, were going to keep you as healthy as possible until we can collect our payment.
Better to have a few credits spread over a large number than to have no credits at all.
Luke Skywalker. How about a third option you let me go, and Ill pay more than the
other two combined?
[Skahtul laughs.]
Skahtul. Were always open to suggestion.
Luke Skywalker. How much are we talking about?
[Skahtul names a figure.]
Luke Skywalker. You could buy half the city with that kind of money!
Skahtul. With enough left over to let you and six of your friends to retire on and live
happily ever after. And you have a bank account with that much in it, I assume?
Luke Skywalker. Yeah, I wish.
Skahtul. Well, at least you keep your sense of humor. But be warned, Skywalker if
you try to escape, you will be met by maximum resistance. We will not hesitate to shoot. And
we will shoot to kill. We know how resourceful Jedi Knights are. You are worth more to us alive
than dead; however, its better to collect the smaller reward then risk losing everything. Do
you understand?
Luke Skywalker. Yeah, I understand.
Skahtul. Good. And its not personal, you know. Many of us admire the stand you
have made against the Empire. But business is business.
Luke Skywalker. Youll excuse me if I take it personally.

[Skahtul smiles, and exits.]

End Scene 51.

Begin Scene 52.

[INT. Lukes holding cell. Luke is practicing his hovering abilities a few inches above
his cot. Hearing a noise outside, he allows himself to fall onto the cot. He then climbs to his
feet as Skahtul enters.]
Luke Skywalker. Has my buyer paid up yet?
Skahtul. Not exactly. We have discovered that you are possibly more valuable then
originally thought. After a discussion with my colleagues, we have decided rather than to wait
these buyers out, we can pump up the reward price by playing the two off against each other.
Luke Skywalker. Youre going to start a bidding war over me?
Skahtul. Something like that.
Luke Skywalker. Who are these people?
Skahtul. To be honest, we dont know. Our contacts will not give us a direct answer.
Once again, try not to take it personally. Its simply business.
Luke Skywalker. Right.
[Skahtul exits.]

End Scene 52.

Begin Scene 53.

[INT. The Emperors chambers on Imperial Center.]
Darth Vader. My master, I have received word that Luke Skywalker is on Kothlis.
The Emperor. You must go and collect him, then.
Darth Vader. My master, I have already sent my agents for him.
The Emperor. Lord Vader, agents are not to be trusted. Skywalker grows stronger in
the Force each day. Only you are potent enough to capture him.

[Vader bows.]
The Emperor. There is another reason you must go. You are aware that Prince Xizors
plan to allow the plans of the new Death Star to fall into Alliance hands has been implemented.
Darth Vader. I do, my master. The plan proceeds over my objections.
The Emperor. Your objections have been noted, Lord Vader. And as it happens, the
plans have been transferred from the hijacked freighter off of Bothawui to Kothlis. Quite a
coincidence, dont you think?
Darth Vader. [Voiceover] A coincidence? I doubt it.
The Emperor. Your trip, therefore, serves two purposes. You must collect Skywalker
as well as destroy some of the local scenery, so the Rebels will believe we are concerned over
the theft.
[Vader bows again, and exits.]

End Scene 53.

Begin Scene 54.

[INT. The Stinger, Guris private ship. The ship has been granted access to land on
Imperial Center. Chewbacca has left the room to change into his costume. Guri has taken a
costume out of a locker for Leia to wear, from a former bounty hunter named Boushh.]
Guri. Put these on.
[Leia wrinkles her nose.]
Leia. It smells like someone picked them up out of a sewer.
Guri. They belonged to Boushh, a former Ubese bounty hunter, who at times worked
for Black Sun.]
Leia. As it happens, I speak a bit of Ubese.
Guri. I know. The costume is not a coincidence.

[Just then, Chewie enters from the refresher. He is almost unrecognizable parts of
his fur are dyed black, with a raccoon-like mask circling his eyes. The fur on his head has been
shaved into a crew cut.]
Guri. Meet Snoova, a well-known Wookie bounty hunter.
[Chewie says something in Wookie.]
Leia. Oh stop complaining. The dye will wash out, and your fur will grow back. Youll
be back to normal in no time.
[Leia puts on the mask, and tests the voice box. She then takes the mask off.]
Leia. It seems to work. I know enough Ubese to get by, as long as I dont meet any
Ubese natives.
Guri. You had better get dressed. Well be landing shortly.

End Scene 54.

Begin Scene 55.

[INT. The Stinger. Leia is all dressed, and Guri is holding onto the ship controls.]
Guri. It would not be wise for you to be seen with me.
[She hands Leia an electronic pad.]
Guri. After youve cleared customs, meet me here.
[Leia nods, and she exits with Chewie. After several minutes of walking, they come to
customs. Leia shows the guard an ID card.]
Guard. Purpose of visit?
Leia. [In Ubese] Business.
Guard. I see you are licensed to carry that weapon. But we dont take too kindly to
people who use them on Imperial Center. Im going to have to take off that mask, just to make
sure you match the ID.
[Chewie then growls something in Wookie.]
Guard. Whats your problem?

[Chewie says something else.]

Guard. I dont care if you are late for an appointment.
[The guard notices the customs line is beginning to lengthen. He hands back the ID
card to Leia.]
Guard. Move along, bounty hunter. I have others to process.
[Leia passes through, and waits for Chewie on the other side. Once he passes through,
they begin walking.]
Leia. I have a contact in the Underground that I want to go see, just so we cant hedge
our bets a little bit.
[They continue walking.]

End Scene 55.

Begin Scene 56.

[INT. Lukes cell on Kothlis. Luke is in the middle of some Jedi breathing exercises.
Focusing on the guard outside his cell door, he pushes a thought into his mind.]
Luke Skywalker. Open the door.
Guard. Huh? Whos there?
Luke Skywalker. You must open the door.
Guard. I must open the door.
[The guard turns around, drops his blaster to the floor, and sticks his card into the lock.
The door clicks open.]
Luke Skywalker. Youre very tired. You need to come in and lie on the cot, and have
a nice nap.
[The guard moves into the cell, and walks towards the cot. Luke takes the card from
his hand as he passes, and heads towards the cell door. Looking back, he sees the guard
snoozing on the cot. He turns back around, and glances into the corridor. With no one there,
he picks up the blaster rifle, and shuts the cell door. He then starts down the corridor.]

End Scene 56.

Begin Scene 57.

[INT. A corridor on Kothlis. Luke has found his lightsaber, as well as his comlink.]
Luke Skywalker. Too easy.
[He reaches for the saber, but before he can grab it, a voice calls out.]
Guard. Whos there? Move and I shoot!

End of Scene 57.

Begin Scene 58.

[EXT. The Southern Underground on Imperial Center. Leia and Chewie are in a city
square, with a bakery, a weapon shop, a shoe store, a clothes store, and a plant shop. Leia
points at the plant store.]
Leia. There.
[They walk into the store, searching for someone. The stores ceiling is four meters
above their heads. Leia looks around, and notices a three meter tall HoDin healer named
Spero.]
Spero. Good meeting. How may I assist you?
Leia. Were here to collect a debt, Master Gardener.
Spero. I cannot recall that I owe anyone a debt. Especially a stranger.
Leia. Not even Leia Organa?
Spero. Ah, the Princess. I owe her my life, as well as those of my whole family.
Leia. She would have you aid us. What can you tell us about Black Sun? Who runs it?
How might we contact them?
Spero. Black Sun is run by the Falleen, Xizor. He is called the Dark Prince. He is also
the owner and president of XTS, Xizor Transportation Systems, a more or less legitimate

operation worth billions in and of itself. He rarely leaves Imperial Center, and has a palace that
ranks with the Emperor and Darth Vader. Much of it is above ground, but portions of it extend
underground.
Leia. Thank you, Master Gardener.
[She turns to leave.]
Spero. You are welcome, Princess Organa.
[Leia turns back around.]
Leia. Excuse me?
Spero. HoDin are not limited to our eyes and ears, Princess. We never forget our
friends.
Leia. Then consider your debt paid.
Spero. My great-great grandchildren could never live long enough to repay you. But I
am happy to have been of some service.
Leia. Thank you again, Master Spero. [To Chewie] Lets go meet Guri.
[They exit.]

End Scene 58.

Begin Scene 59.

[INT. The corridor on Kothlis. Lukes hand is still reached for his lightsaber, with a
bounty hunter behind him. Turning around slightly, Luke uses the Force to grab his lightsaber,
and holds his thumb on the control lever.]
Luke Skywalker. Sorry, I thought this was the fresher.
[The guard, a Nikto, realizes who Luke is. He pulls his blaster up and fires. Luke
ignites his saber, and blocks the bolt. The bolt hits the blade, bounces back, and hits the
shooter in the foot. The hunter drops his blaster, and hops around on his other foot, holding
his wound. Nearby doors open, and more hunters enter the room, blasters firing. Luke blocks

more bolts, then turns and runs. As he runs, about a foot in front of him, the wall implodes.
Another blaster begins firing, but not at Luke. Someone then calls him.]
Lando Calrissian. Luke?
Luke Skywalker. Lando? Over here!
[Lando shoots a few more bolts at the hunters, then runs over to Luke.]
Lando Calrissian. Like shooting snakes in a shoebox. You called for a cab?
Luke Skywalker. What makes you think I want to leave? Im having fun here.
Lando Calrissian. Right. Come on, Ive got a transport over here, aborrowed
landspeeder. What say you we go for a ride?
[They run over and climb into the speeder.]
Lando Calrissian. The Falcon is about five minutes away. I left 3PO with it.
Luke Skywalker. 3PO? Where are Leia and Chewie?
Lando Calrissian. Long story. Ill tell it when we get back to the ship.
[The speeder zooms off.]
Luke Skywalker. How did you know I was here?
Lando Calrissian. Dash. He told me the planet, and when I got here, I learned all
about the raid on the warehouse. A couple people here owe me favors, so I was able to find
out where you were being held. Lets play Twenty Questions later, shall we?

End Scene 59.

Begin Scene 60.

[INT. The Millennium Falcon.]
C-3PO. Oh, its good to see you again, Master Luke.
Luke Skywalker. Hi, 3PO.
Lando Calrissian. Luke, lets move. Weve got more than those bounty hunters to
worry about. Theres an Imperial convoy heading this way. Theyve just dropped out of
hyperspace, and are heading this way.

Luke Skywalker. Anyone we know?

Lando Calrissian. Well, I didnt get a chance to read nameplates, but the lead ship is
a Star Destroyer.
Luke Skywalker. Victory?
Lando Calrissian. A little bigger.
Luke Skywalker. Imperial?
Lando Calrissian. Try again.
Luke Skywalker. Not a Super.
Lando Calrissian. Fraid so.
Luke Skywalker. Is it the Executor?
Lando Calrissian. Well, as I said, I didnt get that close. But the Empire doesnt crank
those out just for laughs, so its a safe bet. Best if were gone when they arrive.
Luke Skywalker. Wait. R2 is in my X-Wing.
Lando Calrissian. Yeah, I saw. I was going to fly by and pick it up in the tractor
beam. Were going to hit lightspeed as soon as we can, so you might want to buckle up.
Luke Skywalker. Where are we going?
Lando Calrissian. Back to Tatooine.
Luke Skywalker. Why?
Lando Calrissian. Thats where Leia wants us.
Luke Skywalker. Where is she?
Lando Calrissian. Later, Luke. Hold on back there, 3PO! Were about to disappear!

End Scene 60.

Begin Scene 61.

[EXT. The building on Kothlis from where Luke has just escaped.]
Darth Vader. Bring me the highest-ranking survivor.

[A number of stormtroopers enter the building, and return several minutes later,
dragging one of the bounty hunters. They drop him at Vaders feet.]
Darth Vader. Do you know who I am?
Bounty Hunter. Of course I do, Lord Vader.
Darth Vader. Good. Where is Luke Skywalker?
Bounty Hunter. He escaped, Lord Vader.
[Vader clenches his fist, choking the man.]
Darth Vader. I know he escaped, you fool. How did he do it?
Bounty Hunter. Well, I was asleep at the time. I was awoken by blaster fire. I went
to check out the disturbance, and Skywalker was there, waving that lightsaber of his, blocking
a large number of bolts from other hunters.
Darth Vader. Continue.
Bounty Hunter. Well, one of us called for backup, and more of our men arrived. We
thought we had him cornered, but then a wall blew apart, and when the dust had cleared,
Skywalker was gone.
Darth Vader. I understand someone else wanted Skywalker. Who?
Bounty Hunter. We heard that it was Black Sun, Lord Vader.
Darth Vader. [Voiceover] Black Sun? Of course. [Spoken] And thisother bidder
wanted Skywalker alive?
Bounty Hunter. No, Lord Vader. He wanted him dead.
[Vader unclenches his first, and the man falls to the ground, gasping for breath. Vader
then gestures to his troops.]
Darth Vader. Back to the shuttle.
Imperial officer. What about this scum?
Darth Vader. Leave them. They are worthless.

End Scene 61.

Begin Scene 62.

[INT. The Millennium Falcon.]
Luke Skywalker. How long until we can make the jump to hyperspace, Lando?
Lando Calrissian. A couple of minutes. But the good news is, the Imperials arent
following us.
Luke Skywalker. Hows Dash doing? He was pretty rattled after we hit that freighter.
Lando Calrissian. Hes been pretty depressed. He still cant accept that he failed at
something. He isnt used to it, but it had to happen sooner or later. Better sooner than later.
What was in that computer, anyway?
Luke Skywalker. I dont know. The Bothan techs had just cracked it open when the
hunters hit the safe house.
Lando Calrissian. Did the hunters get the computer?
Luke Skywalker. I dont think they even knew it was there. The last I saw, one of the
Bothan techs took it and I think he got it out safely.
Lando Calrissian. Well, if he did, the Bothans will get the information to the Alliance;
theyre usually pretty dependable. Stand by for the jump to hyper.
[Lando hits a control, but nothing happens.]
Luke Skywalker. Whats the matter?
Lando Calrissian. It must be one of Hans modifications! My people fixed this thing
when Han and Leia were on Bespin!
Luke Skywalker. Fine. What do we do now?
Lando Calrissian. Find a place to hide and repair it, before we bump into the Imperial
Navy.

End Scene 62.

Begin Scene 63.

[INT. Xizors castle on Imperial Center. Leia and Chewie have met up with Guri, who is
standing with Howzmin, one of Xizors guards.]
Guri. Go with Howzmin. I have other business to attend to. Do as you are told, and
you will see Prince Xizor soon enough.
[She turns and walks away. Howzmin gestures behind him.]
Howzmin. This way.
[He climbs into a motorized cart, and are followed by Leia and Chewie. Howzmin starts
the cart, and it shuttles off into a dark tunnel. After ten or twelve kilometers, Howzmin stops
the cart, climbs out, and climbs into a bullet car, in which Leia and Chewie follow again.]
Howzmin. Go.
[The car shuttles off.]

End Scene 63.

Begin Scene 64.

[INT. The Millennium Falcon. Lando is trying to fix the hyperspace controls.]
Luke Skywalker. Whats the problem, Lando?
Lando Calrissian. The problem is that Han and Chewie have completely reset,
rewired, and screwed up the whole ship! Im looking at a nest of wires where there should be
a simple pullout circuit board! I dont have the schematics for anything *this* complicated!
Luke Skywalker. Well, can you fix it?
Lando Calrissian. Im *trying* to! Pass me that jumper bypass, will you?
[Luke picks up a long tool that resembles an elongated letter Y, and hands it to
Lando.]
Lando Calrissian. Get R2 over here, and maybe he can tell me what this blue wire is
supposed to do.
[R2-D2 rolls over, and peeks over the edge. He whistles something to Luke, while
Lando lets out a yell of pain.]

Luke Skywalker. Sounds like thats not the one you want.
Lando Calrissian. Now you tell me. What about this yellow one, R2?
[R2 whistles again.]
Luke Skywalker. I think were going to be here for a while.
Lando Calrissian. Well, that should give me enough time to figure out the problem.
Pass me those needle head pliers.
[Luke hands him said tool.]
Luke Skywalker. You need me down there to help?
Lando Calrissian. I used to own this ship, Luke. Ill figure out a way around what Han
and Chewie have done. Han ought to be ashamed of himself.
Luke Skywalker. Ill tell him that when we get him out of the carbonite.
End Scene 64.

Begin Scene 65
[INT. Xizors castle on Imperial Center. The bullet car Howzmin is driving slows down,
then stops. Howzmin, Leia, and Chewie climb out, and Howzmin gestures to a nearby
passageway.]
Howzmin. This way. And you can take the helmet off; you wont be needing it
anymore.
[Howzmin leads them through a series of doors. At a set of four turbolifts, they step
into one of them, leaving two guards behind. The lift rises, and the doors open, revealing two
more guards. Howzmin and the guards lead Leia and Chewie through more corridors, and end
at a large, carven door.]
Howzmin. In there.
[Howzmin then turns and walks away. After several seconds, Leia and Chewie move
towards the door, and Leia opens it. The door swings open to reveal Xizor.]
Xizor. Ah, Princess Leia Organa and Chewbacca. Welcome to my palace. I am Prince
Xizor.

[Leia almost melts at the sight of him. Xizor gestures them in, and Leia sits down, with
Chewie standing behind her.]
Xizor. You must be tired after your long trip. You should refresh yourself, change
clothes, and relax a bit before we delve into serious matters.
Leia. [Somewhat embarrassed] I didnt exactly bring my wardrobe with me.
Xizor. [Brushing the comment off.] Such things are easily remedied. I will have my
assistant, Howzmin, show you your quarters. I think you will find them adequate. I have
pressing business to which I must attend. Refresh yourself, and rejoin me in a few hours.
[Xizor presses a button, and Howzmin enters the room.]
Xizor. Show Princess Organa and Chewbacca here to their rooms.
Howzmin. At once, Prince Xizor.
[Howzmin gestures to Leia and Chewie, who follow him into the corridor. The trio walk
down a long corridor, and after several minutes, Howzmin stops in front of a door.
Howzmin. This is your room. The Wookie will be in the suite next door.
[Chewie moans something in Wookie.]
Leia. No, Ill be fine. If Xizor had wanted to hurt us, he would have done it before now.
[Chewie moans again, but follows Howzmin to the next door, and Leia steps into her
room. The carpet is so deep, she almost sinks to her knees in it. Looking around, she sees a
white leather couch, a round bed with black sheets, which is held up by six carved, wooden
posts. Next to the bed stands a computer desk, with a black chair tucked neatly under the
desk. Leia walks across the room to the refresher, in which all of the tile is done in black and
white. Leia walks out of the fresher to the main room, and opens the closet, which reveals a
number of lavish clothes, all of which are in her size. After looking through all of the clothes,
she goes to take a bath in the fresher.]

End Scene 65.

Begin Scene 66.

[INT. The Millennium Falcon. Lando has climbed out of a service well.]
Lando Calrissian. I think thats it.
Luke Skywalker. You think?
Lando Calrissian. I wont know for sure until I engage the drive.
[C-3PO then comes bounding towards Luke and Lando.]
C-3PO. Master Lando! Sensors report a very large vessel is heading this way!
Lando Calrissian. [Glancing at Luke] I wonder who that could be.
Luke Skywalker. I hope you fixed the drive, Lando. Otherwise, I think were going to
find out.
[The pair head off towards the cockpit. As they enter, they see two large Star
Destroyers, as well as the Executor, Vaders Super Star Destroyer.]
Luke Skywalker. Weve got TIE fighters coming in, about three dozen of them. Any
time, Lando. Preferably sooner than later.
Lando Calrissian. Time for our great escape. If you believe in luck, wish for the good
version.
[Lando engages the drive, and the ship enters hyperspace. Luke is thrown back into
his seat, as Lando lets out a shout of triumph.]
Luke Skywalker. Lando, you cut that awfully close.
Lando Calrissian. Farm boy, if you wanted a boring life, you should have stayed on
Tatooine. And thats where we should be in a few hours, as long as any other modifications of
Hans dont land us in the middle of a star. And as soon as Leia finishes her business with
Black Sun, we can work on getting Han back.
Luke Skywalker. Havent they finished yet?
Lando Calrissian. They had to take a slight detour.
Luke Skywalker. So where are she and Chewie?
Lando Calrissian. Ill tell you everything once were on Tatooine.
[Luke, tired from his escape, rubs his eyes, and says no more.]

End Scene 66.

Begin Scene 67.

[INT. Leias room in Xizors palace. After taking a hot bath, Leia has dried her hair, and
has put on a dark bodysuit and a nearly transparent green dress. She steps out of the fresher,
just as Chewie and Howzmin enter the room. Chewie has washed the dye out of his fur, but
the fur on his head remains in a crew cut. Wanting to talk to Chewie alone, Leia asks Howzmin
to leave the room. As the door closes behind him, Chewie says something in Wookie.]
Leia. All I did was put on some clean clothes. I want to get the information I want out
of Xizor, and this is the best way to distract him. I dont tell you how to fly a ship, so dont tell
me how to deal with negotiations. Now come on, Howzmin is waiting for us.
[They exit.]
End Scene 67.

Begin Scene 68.

[INT. The Millennium Falcon. Luke is in the galley, trying to throw a meal together. He
peeks out to where R2 and C-3PO are sitting, near the holographic game board.]
Luke Skywalker. Whats up, 3PO?
C-3PO. R2 is saying hes very worried about the status of Princess Leia. I told him not
to worry, and that shell be fine. Shes a very resourceful human.
[Losing his appetite, Luke walks to the Falcons cockpit.]
Luke Skywalker. Lando, give me a straight answer. Wheres Leia?
Lando Calrissian. Im sorry, Luke, but Im not at liberty to say.
Luke Skywalker. Why?
Lando Calrissian. Leias orders. She wants you on Tatooine. She said if you asked,
to tell you that she could take care of herself before you guys met, and she can take care of
herself now. And besides, shes got Chewie with her. And no ones going to try anything with
an easily offendable Wookie around.

Luke Skywalker. I just hope nothing happens to her.

Lando Calrissian. Shell be fine.
Luke Skywalker. Why doesnt that make me feel any better?

End Scene 68.

Begin Scene 69.

[INT. Xizors palace on Imperial Center. Leia and Chewie have arrived outside Xizors
sanctum. They enter the room, and Leia gasps. Xizor is standing in the room, wearing long,
flowing robes colored in various shades of red.]
Xizor. Ah, Princess Leia. Do come in.
[Chewie says something in Wookie. While he doesnt understand all of what has been
said, Xizor gets the gist of it.]
Xizor. Perhaps Chewbacca would care to dine in the banquet hall while we conduct
ournegotiations.
Leia. Chewie, wait outside.
[Chewie moans in Wookie, obviously voicing his disagreements.]
Leia. Chewie, Han would trust me in here alone, so you should, too.
[Chewie moans again, but reluctantly steps outside the room. As the door slides shut
behind him, Leia turns around to see Xizor moving towards a small bar.]
Xizor. Something to drink, Princess? Luranian brandy? Green champagne?
Leia. Tea would be fine, Your Highness.
Xizor. Call me Xizor, please. We can dispense with the pleasantries now that were
alone.
[As Xizor pours her tea, Leia sits down on one end of a long couch. Xizor moves
around her, and his hip brushes the back of her head, sending a shock through her body. He
hands her the tea, then sits down on the opposite end of the couch.]
Xizor. I understand the Alliance is interested in doing business with Black Sun.

Leia. [Scrambling to collect her thoughts] Yes. The Alliance has been considering such
an alliance. [Voiceover] Alliance considering an Alliance?
Xizor. Well, there are certain advantages to such a liaison.
Leia. Well, the Alliance feels that while Black Suns aims arent the same as our own,
the Empire is our mutual enemy.
Xizor. Yes, war does make strange bedfellows.
Leia. [Voiceover] Bedfellows?
Xizor. Here, let me warm your tea for you.
Leia. No, its fine.
[Xizor takes the cup, anyway. After a few tense moments, Xizor leans in and kisses
Leia, very softly. After several seconds, Xizor increases the pressure. Leia finds herself
responding, then pushes Xizor away.]
Leia. No, this isnt why Im here. I want to talk about a friend of mine, Luke Skywalker.
Xizor. In due course. There are more important things to do, first.
[Xizor kisses her again, this time with more passion. After a few seconds, someone
outside begins banging on the door. Xizor and Leia break apart, and they hear a Wookie
moaning from outside in the hall.]
Leia. Id better go and see what Chewie wants.
Xizor. Stay; Ill get rid of him.
Leia. No, Ill do it.
Xizor. As you wish.
[Leia stands up, and walks over to the door. Pulling it open, shes almost knocked over
by Chewie barging into the room. Chewie moans something in Wookie.]
Leia. Im in the middle of adelicate discussion. Cant it wait?
[Chewie moans something else.]
Leia. He seems upset. Id better go with him and see what he wants.
Xizor. As you wish. Ill be here. But hurry back; I wont be here long.
[Leia nods, then follows Chewie into the hall.]

Leia. This better be good, Chewie.

[Chewie gestures to Howzmin, who is crumpled on the floor, either unconscious or
dead; Leia is unable to tell. Chewie moans again, then pulls Leia down the corridor, and
shoves her into an alcove a few meters away.
Leia. You are going to be sorry, you overgrown
[Chewie silences her by pressing a furry hand against her mouth. He gestures with his
other hand to a small, parabolic microphone set into the ceiling.]
Leia. Someones listening?
[Chewie nods.]
Leia. Are we being watched, too?
[Chewie nods again.]
Leia. So thats why you brought me down here. Were in a blind spot.
[The desire for Xizor she had felt earlier evaporates, and is replaced by shame flooding
into her, realizing what she almost did.]
Leia. Chewie, I think wed better consider an alternate plan. I want you to get away
and contact Luke, Lando, or Dash.
[Chewie moans his disagreements.]
Leia. Chewie, you can do a better job of protecting me by getting as far away from
here as you can. Ill be fine until Luke and Lando get here. Now go.
[Leia pushes her way back into the corridor.]

End Scene 69.

Begin Scene 70.

[INT. The Emperors throne room. Darth Vader is there, bent on one knee.]
Darth Vader. My master, I am merely concerned about Xizors treachery. If he is, in
fact, trying to kill Skywalker

The Emperor. Really, Lord Vader. I would certainly need some more concrete
evidence than a rumor from a bounty hunter to move against such a valuable ally as Prince
Xizor. After all, he did give the Empire the location of the secret Rebel base in the Baji Sector,
and he has put his shipping fleet at the Empires disposal.
Darth Vader. I have not forgotten these things, my master. But I have also not
forgotten my promise to turn Skywalker to the Dark side. Skywalker turned would be much
more valuable than Xizor.
The Emperor. Indeed he would, Lord Vader. If you can turn him.
Darth Vader. I can, my master. But not if he is slain before I can get to him.
The Emperor. This seems very important to you. I give you leave, for a short while,
to search for him. Is this satisfactory?
Darth Vader. Yes, my master.
[Vader bows, and exits.]

End Scene 70.

Begin Scene 71.

[INT. Just outside Xizors sanctum. Leia inhales, then exhales. She opens the door,
and enters the room to find Xizor still sitting on the couch.]
Xizor. I was beginning to worry about you.
[Leia smiles, hoping it doesnt look too false.]
Xizor. Come back and sit down here next to me.
[Leia moves instead towards the bar.]
Leia. Let me make myself some tea, first. Its gotten rather hot.
[While she mixes the tea, she notices the angry look on his face, when she didnt follow
his order. When she finishes mixing, she sips the tea slowly.]
Xizor. Come here.
Leia. [Voiceover] Definitely a command.

[Leia puts down the teacup, and starts towards Xizor. She gives him a fake smile
again.]
Xizor. You said you were warm. Why dont you take your clothes off and get more
comfortable?
Leia. Ive cooled down a little bit.
Xizor. Take them off, anyway. It would please me; thats what you want, isnt it?
Leia. [Voiceover] Not really. What I want is to give Chewie time to get out of here and
get help.
[Leia takes off her slippers, and tosses them aside. She starts with the transparent
dress, but fumbles with the fastener, pretending its stuck.]
Leia. This fastener is stuck.
Xizor. Come here. Ill fix it.
[Leia unhooks it, and drops the dress.]
Leia. Wait, there it is.
Xizor. Now the rest of it.
Leia. I dont think so.
[Xizor puts down his drink, and stands up.]
Xizor. What?
Leia. Its very improper to remove ones clothes in front of a stranger.
[Xizor walks over to her, and shakes her. He leans in to kiss her, but she thrusts her
knee into his groin area. He groans, and shoves her away.]
Xizor. So you resist me.
Leia. Youve got that right.
Xizor. It was something the Wookie said to you.
Leia. Wookies are sometimes very smart, and *always* very loyal.
Xizor. There is a drawback to bright and strong women, and that is they are always
bright and strong when you least want them to be. [He bows.] I am pleased that you are a
worthy adversary. Guri?

[The HRD enters from behind a hidden panel in the wall.]

Xizor. It seems you were right. Take her to her room, and lock her in. And Princess,
sooner or later, youll find that I am not so terrible company after all.
Leia. Better later than sooner.
[Guri grabs her arm in a very strong grip, and leads her towards her room.]

End Scene 71.

Begin Scene 72.

[INT. Xizors sanctum. Xizor has called his chief of security on a comlink.]
Xizor. Did the Wookie escape?
Chief. Yes, Prince Xizor.
Xizor. You didnt allow him to think it was *too* easy, did you?
Chief. He took down five of our troops, and we singed him with a blaster bolt. It
wasnt easy.
Xizor. Good.
[Xizor breaks the connection, then sits back in his chair, and sips at his drink. Then,
his private comlink buzzes.]
Xizor. Yes?
Agent. Prince Xizor, I have news concerning Luke Skywalker.
Xizor. And what is it?
Agent. Allegedly, he has been captured by a small group of rogue bounty hunters
somewhere on Kothlis. However, there is a small problem.
Xizor. What kind of problem?
Agent. Well, it seems that there is another bidder for Skywalker. Someone with
Imperial connections, and whose offer is much larger than ours.
Xizor. Tell them well double the other offer.

Agent. Prince Xizor, were bidding against the Empire! We dont have that kind of
money.
Xizor. I know that, you fool. Once we find out precisely where he is, Ill send in a jade
ops team and collect him for free, so well never even have to pay them. We only need his
body; he doesnt need to be breathing.
Agent. Very well, Prince Xizor. Im getting a call from one of our operatives; it may be
Skywalkers location.
[Xizor waits for a moment, then the agent comes back on.]
Agent. Prince Xizor, it appears there has been a complication.
Xizor. What kind of complication?
Agent. Well, it seems that Skywalker has escaped custody, and that Darth Vader is
now personally involved. He was at the site of the escape mere hours after it took place.
[Xizor laughs.]
Xizor. Dont worry about Skywalkers escape. I have that situation under control.
[Xizor shuts off the comlink.]
Xizor. Vader just missed Skywalker. So as long as hes free, and I have Princess Leia
here, Skywalker will show up eventually. That blasted Wookie will see to that.

End Scene 72.

Begin Scene 73.

[INT. The Millennium Falcon.]
Luke Skywalker. Lando, I trust the Force, and right now, its telling me that Leia is in
danger. Lets just put in a call and check it out.
Lando Calrissian. Cant it wait until we get to Tatooine?
Luke Skywalker. Unfortunately, no.
Lando Calrissian. All right, but remember that I did this. You owe me one.

[Lando pulls the Falcon out of hyperspace, and puts the ship onto automatic pilot. He
then leads Luke to the aft cargo hold.]
Lando Calrissian. Come here, I want to show you something. Han isnt the only one
who can rig the Falcon.
Luke Skywalker. What do you mean?
[Lando leads him over to a wall, and points at a small box mounted there.]
Luke Skywalker. That looks like a com unit.
Lando Calrissian. Bright boy. Alright, go ahead and make your call.
[Luke punches in a number of codes, while Lando slips a thin override card into a slot,
and fiddles with the controls, to make sure the communication isnt tapped. Dash doesnt
answer his call, but there is a recorded response.]
Luke Skywalker. Do we have a play message code?
[Lando gives it to him. The image swirls into being, but rather than seeing Dash, they
see a Wookiewith a bad haircut.]
Lando Calrissian. Chewie!
[Chewie begins moaning in Wookie.]
Lando Calrissian. Uh oh.
Luke Skywalker. Uh oh what?
Lando Calrissian. Leia is being held on Imperial Center by Black Sun. They tried to
kill Chewie, but he managed to escape. It wasnt his idea, though; Leia made him go.
[The transmission then shuts off, very suddenly.]
Luke Skywalker. What happened?
Lando Calrissian. I dont know; my codes just went completely blank. Someone must
have reported the theft of the override.
[He pulls the card out of the com unit slot, and drops it on the floor.]
Luke Skywalker. Lets go.
Lando Calrissian. To Tatooine, right?
Luke Skywalker. Wrong.

Lando Calrissian. Somehow, I knew you were going to say that.

End Scene 73.

Begin Scene 74.

[INT. The Millennium Falcon.]
Lando Calrissian. Were a few minutes away from Imperial Center, which is one big
building complex that covers the entire planet, and the space around it is filled with skyhooks,
power sats, and a river of private and commercial traffic, not to mention a pretty big chunk of
the Imperial Navy. And the holes for ship entry are almost minute, and Im betting that the
Falcon is plastered onto Wanted screens all across the galaxy, as well as security scanners in
the center of the Empire. And I highly doubt a swiped security code would get us onto the
planet. And we cant do Leia any good if were locked up in prison. Got any ideas?
Luke Skywalker. Yeah, one.
Lando Calrissian. Lets hear it.
Luke Skywalker. Well, its an old trick Han pulled before he went to Bespin, in which
he attached the Falcon to a blind spot on a Star Destroyer. Leia told me all about it.
Lando Calrissian. And you know where he learned it?
[Luke shakes his head no. Lando then jabs his thumbs at himself.]
Lando Calrissian. I taught him that back when he first started smuggling, just after
he won the Falcon. Okay, lets do it. You ready?
Luke Skywalker. Are you?
[:Lando nods.]
C-3PO. Were ready, too, in case anyone cares.
[Lando enters Imperial Center airspace, and after a few tense moments, is able to
safely place the Falcon in the blind spot of a large cargo freighter.]

Lando Calrissian. This ought to be right in their sensor shadow. Im going to shut
down the transponder and all of the nonessential systems. This way, we wont attract any
unwanted attention.
Luke Skywalker. Have you thought about what were going to do when we land?
Lando Calrissian. Lets worry about landing at all, first. Then we can figure out our
plan.
[After several minutes of waiting, the freighter drops its cargo, and Lando is able to
keep the Falcon in the cargos shadow on the way down onto Imperial Center. Past all of the
security sensors, Lando finds a relatively unused warehouse to land the Falcon. He and Luke
then leave the ship, leaving R2 and C-3PO behind.]
C-3PO. Master Luke, I really dont think this is a very good idea. I would feel much
safer going with you and Master Lando.
Luke Skywalker. 3PO, relax. And besides, I think its a lot more dangerous out there
than it is in here.
C-3PO. Well, in that case, perhaps we should stay behind.
[Luke chuckles.]
Luke Skywalker. If anything comes up, 3PO, Ill call you on the comlink.
[R2 whistles something.]
C-3PO. R2, you heard Master Luke; he needs us here on the ship in case anything
goes wrong.
Lando Calrissian. What could *possibly* go wrong, 3PO? Weve got rewards put out
for us dead or alive, and weve just landed ourselves in the heart of the Empire.
Luke Skywalker. Yeah, but wheres the last place an Imperial officer or bounty hunter
would look for a Rebel officer?
Lando Calrissian. Good point. But I suppose the Empire doesnt think anyone would
be that stupid. Luckily, they dont know that we *are* that stupid.

Luke Skywalker. Dont worry about a thing, 3PO. Like I said, if anything comes up,
Ill call you. But there is a possibility that we wont make it back alive. In case that happens,
dont call the Alliance for help. Theres nothing to be gained by placing the fleet in jeopardy.
C-3PO. I understand, Master Luke.
[Luke pats 3PO on his metal back, as Lando lowers the boarding ramp. R2 then
whistles something to Luke. Luke turns and kneels down next to the droid.]
Luke Skywalker. R2, just stand by the com. If we get into trouble, you and 3PO can
come get us. You know the navigation systems, and 3PO can handle the controls.
Lando Calrissian. Theres a happy thought. If Han knew that, it would thaw him out
faster than a laser torch. Come one, Luke, we need to hurry and get into our disguises. We
should be able to reach the Underground before sunlight.
[Luke stands up, and Lando, already in beggars robes, hands him another set of robes.
Luke puts on the duds, and covers the lower half of his face with a scarf. Luke and Lando exit
the ship, and weave their way through a sparsely populated area, to a friend of Landos who
owes him a favor, and allows them to dock the Falcon in an abandoned warehouse.]
Luke Skywalker. Exactly how many people owe you favors?
Lando Calrissian. A lot of them who shouldnt gamble. Lucky for me they do.
Luke Skywalker. So what do we do now?
Lando Calrissian. We need to catch a ride into the Southern Underground. Keep your
lightsaber handy, but out of sight. The area were heading to isnt one you would want to take
your grandmother for tea.
Luke Skywalker. Is it as bad as Mos Eisley?
Lando Calrissian. Parts of it are worse.
Luke Skywalker. Perfect. Why are we going to such a lovely part of the planet,
anyway?
Lando Calrissian. Did you ever hear of Evet Scyrrep?

Luke Skywalker. The shipjacker? Sure; they based a whole holographic series on
him. He knocked off about fifteen starliners and got away with millions of credits and jewels.
He was eventually caught, though.
Lando Calrissian. Thats right. And at his trial, he said he robbed luxury cruisers
because thats where the credits are. Along those same lines, thats why were headed
towards the Underground, because thats where my contacts are.

End Scene 74.

Begin Scene 75.

[EXT. The Southern Underground on Imperial Center. Luke and Lando have arrived,
still dressed in their beggars robes.]
Lando Calrissian. I think its time we got some better disguises.
Luke Skywalker. What did you have in mind?
Lando Calrissian. Well, ideally, we want to look like someone no one would pay any
attention to.
Luke Skywalker. Stormtroopers?
Lando Calrissian. Yeah. Or maybe the Elite Stormtroopers would be better; their
faces are covered.
[Luke looks around, and notices a trooper near a ticket droid.]
Luke Skywalker. I see one about my size over by that ticket droid.
Lando Calrissian. Yep, and theres one about my height and weight standing over by
the periodical dispenser. Maybe we should do our duty to the Empire, and report a problem in
one of the fresher booths, do you think?
Luke Skywalker. Just as any loyal Imperial citizen would.

End Scene 75.

Begin Scene 76.

[INT. The refresher booth. The Luke-sized trooper has just entered one of the toilet
stalls.]
Stormtrooper. What are you talking about? I dont see any
[Using the Force, Luke takes control of the troopers mind. He tells him to strip, and sit
down for a long nap. Luke then dresses in the troopers outfit, and exits the stall, just as Lando
exits an adjacent stall, dressed in a similar outfit. They square their shoulders, stick out their
chests, and swagger out of the fresher.]
[EXT. The Southern Underground. Luke and Lando are standing in the circle of shops
Leia and Chewie were at earlier.]
Luke Skywalker. Well, this neighborhood is certainly better than the one we just
came from. But where are we going?
[Lando points to Speros plant shop.]
Lando Calrissian. There.
Luke Skywalker. A plant store?
Lando Calrissian. Dont let it fool you. Its run by an old HoDin named Spero. Hes
got a number of contacts, some Alliance, some Imperial, some criminal.
Luke Skywalker. Dont tell me he owes you a favor.
Lando Calrissian. Not exactly. Weve done business in the past, and he doesnt mind
making a few credits in exchange for information.
[Heading for the shop, Luke looks around, and notices that nearly everyone is looking
at them.]
Luke Skywalker. Were getting a lot of dirty looks.
Lando Calrissian. Its the uniforms. The Empire doesnt have many friends down
here. Most of the citizens down here are on the run, only a step or two away from getting
arrested. As long as we keep ourselves out of their business, they wont bother us.
[Entering the shop, Luke and Lando notice the shop is empty. Suddenly, a Wookie
growls behind them.]

Lando Calrissian. Turn around slowly.

[They do, and notice a large Wookie, with a bad haircut, pointing a blaster right at
them.]
Lando Calrissian. Chewie!
[Chewie realizes who it is, and lowers the blaster. As Luke and Lando walk over to him,
Chewie begins moaning in Wookie.]
Lando Calrissian. Spero is tied up in back; in case anyone saw Chewie entering the
building, they wouldnt think Spero was helping. Slow down, Chewie! Leia thinks its Black Sun
that wants you dead, Luke. Theyre behind the assassinations, not the Empire. I dont know
how were going to get into the building; there are only three of us.
[Suddenly, a blaster bolt enters the building, and shatters a flower pot hanging nearby.
The three of them dive to the floor for cover. Chewie raises his blaster and fires back several
bolts.]
Luke Skywalker. Is there a way out of here?
[Chewie moans something in Wookie.]
Lando Calrissian. In the back.
[The three of them combat-crawl towards the back. As they enter the back room, they
notice Spero tied up, sitting in a corner. As Lando passes him, he tells Spero to send the bill to
the Alliance; theyll pay for any damages. Chewie slides the back door open, and another bolt
zips in.]
Lando Calrissian. Theyve got us boxed in!
[While theyre thinking about what to do, someone outside the building screams
[WILHELM SCREAM]. The sound of several blaster discharges is heard, and someone walks
no, swaggers into view, swinging a blaster on his finger.]
Lando Calrissian. Dash! What are you doing here?
Dash Rendar. Saving your butts, it looks like. Come on, follow me; we can talk while
we move.

[Luke, Lando, and Chewie follow Dash, who leads them through a crowded street to a
series of twisted corridors and tunnels.]
Lando Calrissian. So how did you get here, Dash?
Dash Rendar. The usual way. Sneaked in under a freighters sensor shadow. How
bout you?
Lando Calrissian. Same thing. We could have done it on autopilot, it was so easy.
Luke Skywalker. How did you manage to get here?
[Gestures to the ground.]
Dash Rendar. You mean Speros? Everyone knows about Spero, dont they?
Lando Calrissian. I guess so. That explains how, but why?
Dash Rendar. Something to prove, I guess. I felt pretty bad after Luke and I hit that
freighter. Im not used to making mistakes, and Im still not over it. But when Chewie called, I
decided it was time to pay the Empire back. So here I am.
Luke Skywalker. I can understand completely.
Dash Rendar. Come on, I have a few contacts around here.
[He leads them off.]

End Scene 76.

Begin Scene 77.

[INT. Leias room in Xizors castle.]
Xizor. You must breakfast with me, Princess Organa.
Leia. Ill pass, thanks.
Xizor. I insist.
Leia. Will Chewie be joining us?
Xizor. Im afraid your friend hastaken his leave of us.
Leia. Lost him and cant find him, eh?

Xizor. Please, dont insult my intelligence, Princess Leia. I *allowed* Chewbacca to

escape.
Leia. Dont insult *my* intelligence. I know better than that.
Xizor. I want your friend Skywalker. Skywalker wants you. I *have* you. Certainly I
dont need to draw you a diagram? Skywalker will come eventually, and then I will kill him.
[Xizor exits.]

End Scene 77.

Begin Scene 78.

[INT. Xizors changing room. He has stripped out of his breakfast clothes and is
choosing a set of clothes for his business dealings.]
Guri. We have agents saying that a Corellian freighter matching the description of the
Millennium Falcon is hidden somewhere in the warehouse district near the South Pole.
Xizor. There are hundreds of ships that match that description.
Guri. Not stored in any of the warehouses on Imperial Center.
Xizor. So what youre saying is that Skywalker and the gambler have come here and
have landed on Imperial Center undetected?
Guri. Any half-wit pilot who knows the freighter trick can manage it. Our own
smugglers do it all the time.
Xizor. Fine. Send some of our agents to check it out. If that is Skywalkers ship, have
it monitored. When he shows up, allow our people to kill him.
[Guri nods, and exits.]

End Scene 78.

Begin Scene 79.

[INT. A local hotel on Imperial Center. Luke is sitting in a Jedi meditating position.]

Luke Skywalker. Leia.

CUT TO: Leias room in Xizors castle, using the computer, trying to find blueprints of
the castle. She feels Luke calling to her.
CUT BACK TO: Luke.
Luke Skywalker. Leia. Im here. Im coming for you.
CUT BACK TO: Leia.
Leia. Luke, Im here.
CUT BACK TO: Luke.
[Luke smiles. He then exits the room, and walks into a restaurant, where Lando, Dash,
and Chewie are sitting.]
Dash Rendar. Now, this is the center of the Empire.
Lando Calrissian. [With heavy irony] It is? We shouldnt be here; it could be
dangerous.
Luke Skywalker. Cut it out, Lando. Whats your point, Dash?
Dash Rendar. The Empire is very corrupt. Its run less on loyalty and honor and more
on bribes and graft.
Lando Calrissian. So you think were going to be able to bribe a guard? I doubt Black
Sun would put someone like that in front of their door.
Dash Rendar. Not a guard, but an engineer.
Luke Skywalker. What am I missing here?
Dash Rendar. A building as big as this one generates a lot of waste. The solids have
to be broken down and pumped out, most likely as some kind of slurry. So were talking about
pipes.
[Luke gets the idea.]
Luke Skywalker. Big pipes.
[He sees the others get the idea. Chewie then moans something in Wookie.]
Lando Calrissian. Chewie is right. Even if those conduits are big enough to admit
people, there are sure to be a large number of guards.

[Chewie moans something else.]

Dash Rendar. Chewie also points out that such pipes and conduits would be hard to
locate, given that all of the buildings have similar systems. Its probably a big maze
underground.
Luke Skywalker. Right. And there will probably be fewer guards posted on a large
sewer drain than the doors aboveground. And they wouldnt expect an assault this way.
Lando Calrissian. Assuming we can find a guide, youre suggesting we wade through
kilometers of *sewage* to get into this place?
Dash Rendar. Exactly what the guards would think. Who would be that stupid?
Lando Calrissian. Us. Who else?
Dash Rendar. And finding a guide is no problem. Ive got someone in mind.
Luke Skywalker. Everyone ready?
[Everyone acknowledges.]
Luke Skywalker. Okay, lets do this.
[They stand up, and exit the restaurant.]

End Scene 79.

Begin Scene 80.

[INT. A large sewer pipe on Imperial Center. Luke, Lando, Dash, and Chewie are
standing around a holographic table with Dashs guide, Benedict Vidkun. Vidkun is a short,
thin fish-belly pale man, with bulging brown eyes, a wispy beard and moustache, and a very
prominent nose.]
Benedict Vidkun. This branch is the one we want.
[He gestures to the hologram.]
Benedict Vidkun. That pipe drains Xizors castle on a regular basis. Theres a locked
grate to keep out the vermin, but maintenance has the key codes. Once were inside, its only
about a half kilometer to the building pipes.

[He presses a button, and the hologram enlarges.]

Lando Calrissian. How big are these pipes?
Benedict Vidkun. Theyre big enough for a couple of men to walk in side-by-side.
The Wook will have to hunch down some, though.
Lando Calrissian. And those lead into the building itself?
Benedict Vidkun. Yeah. Theres going to be another rat grate, though. Strictly
speaking, were not supposed to have the codes for that, but it just so happens that my
brother-in-law works for the firm that constructed the castle. I can give those to you, for a
consideration.
Lando Calrissian. What kind of consideration?
Benedict Vidkun. Two hundred and fifty credits?
Lando Calrissian. Try a hundred and twenty-five.
Benedict Vidkun. Save the trouble, Ill get you the codes.
Lando Calrissian. Blaster fire is cheaper; we can blow the locks. Alright, a hundred
and fifty.
Benedict Vidkun. You dont want to make too much noise, though. One seventy-five.
Lando Calrissian. Deal.
Benedict Vidkun. After that, you want to watch out for a zap field. You step into that,
and bzzt, that thing would cook you faster than a high-amp microwave blast. Luckily, my
*other* brother-in-law installs zap fields, so Ill be able to get the bypass codes.
Luke Skywalker. For a consideration.
Benedict Vidkun. Same as the other?
Dash Rendar. Fine.
Benedict Vidkun. After that, all you have to worry about is getting out of the gather
chamber and past whatever guards may be there. Unfortunately, Xizor uses his own guards,
so I wont know any of them.
Dash Rendar. Dont worry; well manage.
[Vidkun nods, then starts towards the exit. Lando steps in front of him.]

Lando Calrissian. Where are you going?

Benedict Vidkun. Im going home.
Lando Calrissian. I dont think so. I think youll stay here with us.
Benedict Vidkun. But you just said you werent ready to go until tomorrow.
Dash Rendar. We changed our minds. We want to go right now. And since we dont
want to find a squad of stormtroopers or Black Sun reps waiting for us when we enter the
sewers, wed appreciate it if you didnt make any calls.
Benedict Vidkun. I wouldnt turn you guys in!
Lando Calrissian. Not unless there was something in it for you. And since youre
going to be leading us, if any shooting starts, guess who gets it first?
[Lando waves his blaster under Vidkuns nose.]
Benedict Vidkun. Can I at least call my wife and tell her whats going on? Shell get
really mad if I dont.
Lando Calrissian. So buy her something nice after we get into the building. Youll
have plenty of credits.
Benedict Vidkun. I guess I dont have much of a choice, do I?
[Luke pulls out his comlink.]
Luke Skywalker. 3PO? Is everything going okay on the ship?
C-3PO. [Over comlink.] Yes, Master Luke. Everything on the ship is fine. But R2
overheard a communication on a shielded channel. There are a number of search teams in the
area, apparently looking for a Corellian freighter.
Luke Skywalker. Keep a look-out, 3PO. If anyone suspicious comes snooping around,
contact me.
C-3PO. I certainly shall, Master Luke.
[Luke sighs, then turns off his comlink.]
Luke Skywalker. Lets go.

End Scene 80.

Begin Scene 81.

[EXT. Darth Vaders castle. Vader is standing on a balcony, staring out at the skyline
of Imperial Center. After several minutes, one of his agents runs up to him.]
Agent. My Lord Vader, I have information for you.
Darth Vader. What information?
Agent. My team has uncovered a pirated copy of a planetary records from Falleen,
thought to be destroyed.
Darth Vader. And why should I find this interesting?
Agent. It contains some materials regarding Prince Xizors family. His father was King
of a small nation on that planet.
Darth Vader. I knew he was royalty. But I was under the impression that Xizor was
orphaned when he was very young.
Agent. That was what we thought, too, Lord Vader. But that is not entirely true. Do
you remember the biological project that took place there, and went awry, a decade or so ago?
Darth Vader. I do.
Agent. During thesterilization process, a large number of Imperial citizens lost their
lives.
Darth Vader. A regrettable incident.
[The agent touches a button on his belt, and a hologram appears between him and
Vader, showing a family portrait of eight Falleen.]
Agent. Prince Xizors family. All of them were killed during the destruction of the
bacteria that escaped from the lab.
[A light clicks on over Vaders head.]
Darth Vader. [Voiceover] Of course! This explains everything. Xizor holds me
responsible for his familys death, and now he intends to kill mine. [Out loud] How did these
records come to be destroyed?

Agent. We havent been able to discern that yet, Lord Vader. All of the record simply
vanished after the citys destruction.
Darth Vader. Very well. You have served me well. After you finish this project, you
need not worry about money, such is my gratitude.
Agent. Thank you, Lord Vader.
[The agent bows, and leaves.]

End Scene 81.

Begin Scene 82.

[INT. The sewer pipe. Luke, et al are preparing to enter Xizors castle. Luke elects to
use his lightsaber, Chewie is able to locate a Wookie bowcaster, and Lando and Dash stick to
their own blasters. No one offers Vidkun a weapon, not knowing which way he might be
shooting if any should begin.]
Luke Skywalker. When should we start? Day or night?
Benedict Vidkun. I suggest the daytime. Im usually off work, so the chances are
that no one will miss me. And were going to be pretty far underground, anyway, so we wont
need the sun.
[Luke shifts the pack on his back.]
Luke Skywalker. Everyone ready?
[The others acknowledge.]
Luke Skywalker. Lets go.
[They exit.]

End Scene 82.

Begin Scene 83.

[INT. Xizors sanctum. Xizor is receiving an incoming call from Darth Vader.]

Xizor. Lord Vader, what a pleasant surprise.

Darth Vader. Perhaps not so pleasant, Prince Xizor. I have been made aware of your
assassination attempts on Luke Skywalker. You will cease all attempts to harm the boy,
effective immediately.
[Xizor keeps his face neutral, while feeling a surge of anger.]
Xizor. Your information is in error, Lord Vader. And even if it was correct, I was to
understand that the boy is a Rebel officer. All Rebels are traitors, wanted dead or alive. Is this
sudden change of policy an official Imperial decree?
Darth Vader. If the boy is harmed in any way, shape, or form, I will hold you
personally responsible, Prince Xizor.
[Vader breaks the connection.]

End Scene 83.

Begin Scene 84.

[INT. A large sewer pipe, in which Luke and co. are following Vidkun into Xizors castle.
The sludge theyre trudging through is a thick, oily, dark green muck. The pipes are dimly lit
overhead by a series of glow sticks, but it is light enough to see their way around. A few
meters ahead of them, something splashes into the sewage, and Chewie moans something in
Wookie.]
Benedict Vidkun. Whats with the Wook?
Luke Skywalker. He doesnt like little swimming or running things.
[Vidkun shrugs.]
Benedict Vidkun. A few hundred more meters.
Dash Rendar. Hey, look out!
[An eyeball on a tall stalk pops out of the sewage, and looks around. Luke recognizes
it as a dianoga. Dash pulls his blaster.]
Luke Skywalker. No, dont shoot!

[Luke ducks into a crouch, and ignites his saber, and swings, severing the eye from the
stalk. Another quick movement chops the dianogas body in half. The cut pieces continue to
thrash around in the sewage, but the movements quickly subside. Dash returns his blaster to
its holster.]
Dash Rendar. Nice going, kid.
Luke Skywalker. Ive seen one of those before, in the trash compactor on the Death
Star.
[The group continues on. After several minutes, Vidkun brings them to a halt.]
Benedict Vidkun. Just ahead there.
[Ahead of them are two large, circular holes, covered with very thick metal mesh
gates.]
Lando Calrissian. Lets see if those codes you have work, Vidkun.
[With a plastic card, Vidkun fiddles with the gate. After several seconds, it opens up.]
Benedict Vidkun. See? Just like I said. We want the one on the right.
[He gestures to said tunnel. He enters, and the others follow. Chewie has some
trouble climbing the enclosed tunnel, and he falls into the sewage. His hands gets covered
with the sticky muck.]
Lando Calrissian. Be careful, Chewie, you big clumsyyow!
[Lando takes his turn falling into the sewage. He jumps back up, but not in time to
prevent his backside from getting soaked.]
Dash Rendar. You should have worn some old clothes, Calrissian.
Lando Calrissian. I dont *have* any old clothes, Dash.
Dash Rendar. You do now. I doubt youll ever be able to get those clean enough to
wear in public again.
Benedict Vidkun. Were coming onto the zap field. Let me run the deactivator.
[Vidkun pulls a small, black box from his coveralls, and fiddles with it. A purple flash
shimmers in front of them.]
Benedict Vidkun. It should be okay now.

Lando Calrissian. Fine. You first.

[Vidkun glowers at Lando, then moves to the front of the line, and walks forward. After
he walks several feet, Luke and co. follow him.]
Luke Skywalker. Youd think you would get used to the smell. But it seems to be
going from bad to worse the closer we get.
Benedict Vidkun. Dont worry, were almost there.
Lando Calrissian. Good. As Luke said, this is getting pretty bad.
[Vidkun stops, and gestures in front of him.]
Benedict Vidkun. Theres the entrance to the building. There shouldnt be any
guards in the recycler, but there will probably be a few in the sub-subbasement. Heres the
key to the rat grate.
[He presses a plastic card into Landos hand, then turns to leave. Dash steps in his
way.]
Dash Rendar. Where do you think youre going?
Benedict Vidkun. Hey, Im done. I got you into the building, I got you the floor plans.
That was the deal.
Dash Rendar. Well, I guess you have us there. That was the deal. However, weve
had a small change of plans.
Lando Calrissian. Wed like you to come with us until we get to a place where you
can safelywait for us.
Benedict Vidkun. Oh, yeah? Well, what if you guys get killed? Ill be there a long
time!
Lando Calrissian. Well, thats a risk youre just going to have to take. We insist
[He pats his blaster.]
Benedict Vidkun. Well, since you put it that way
[Before anyone can react, he pulls a small blaster out of his coveralls, and begins firing
wildly. The first shot misses everyone. The second hits Dash in the hip. Lying on the ground,

Dash pulls his blaster out, and puts a bolt between Vidkuns eyes. Lando and Luke run over to
Dash.]
Luke Skywalker. Dash?
Dash Rendar. Im okay. He just scorched me a little bit.
[He lifts his shirt to reveal a small blister. Luke hands him a gauze pad, and he slaps it
onto his burn.]
Luke Skywalker. Where did he get the blaster from?
Lando Calrissian. He must have had it all along. Im just wondering why he did it; we
werent going to hurt him.
Dash Rendar. Hey, if he figures if he sold out, why shouldnt we?
Luke Skywalker. Lets hope the guards didnt hear the shooting. Now come on.
[He leads them towards the recycler door.]

End Scene 84.

Begin Scene 85.

[INT. The recycler. Luke is peeking out from under a trapdoor into the subsubbasement.]
Luke Skywalker. Uh oh.
Lando Calrissian. That is something I do not need to hear. What is it?
Luke Skywalker. Guards. Six of them.
Lando Calrissian. Six? To guard a sewage plant?
Dash Rendar. So what? Thats only one and a half each. How fast can you pull that
trigger, Calrissian?
Luke Skywalker. Okay, heres the setup. Four of the guards are sitting at a table,
playing cards. Their blasters are stacked against the wall. The other two are hovering in the
background, and it looks like theyre offering advice. They have their blasters slung over their
shoulders. And Dash is right if we move fast enough, we can disarm the guards, tie them up,

and be on our way with no one else the wiser. But the tough part is doing it before one of
them calls for any help.
[Luke drops down next to the other three.]
Luke Skywalker. Okay, heres the deal Dash, you pop the hatch. Ill go first, Chewie
is behind me, then Lando. Dash, you come last.
Dash Rendar. Whoa, whoa, whoa. Why that order?
Luke Skywalker. I can stop blaster bolts with my lightsaber, in case any of the guards
is a quick-draw expert. Chewie is pretty impressive with his bowcaster, so theyll pay more
attention to him than either you or Lando.
Dash Rendar. Yeah, but it would be much easier to just jump out and mow all of them
down. We hit them hard, and we hit them fast, and theyre history.
Luke Skywalker. Thats the difference between the Alliance and the Empire. The
Empire wouldnt hesitate to do it that way. The Alliance doesnt shoot unless they have to.
Dash Rendar. Fine. Get us all killed playing the nice guy.
Luke Skywalker. Dash, warrior and killer arent the same word. Now, is everyone
ready?
[Everyone acknowledges. Luke nods at Dash, who pops the hatch open. Luke jumps
out and ignites his saber.]
Luke Skywalker. Nobody move!
[Chewie jumps out behind Luke, but slips on the floor, and falls with a crash. The four
sitting guards jump up, and run over to the stacked blasters, spin around, and start shooting.
The two standing guards raise their blasters and also start shooting. Luke blocks a bolt with
his saber, shifts in the Force, and blocks a second. Lando jumps out of the hatch, but trips
over Chewie, and lands facedown on the floor. Dash jumps out, shoulder-rolls over Chewie and
Lando, and fires his blaster. Two of the guards go down, but more bolts spew at the foursome.
Chewie sits up, and fires several bolts from his bowcaster. Dash fires off several bolts, as does
Lando. The rest of the guards, save one, go down. The last guard is yelling into his comlink.
The guard is shot by Lando, and his comlink flies across the room, and lands at Lukes feet.

Luke smashes the comlink with his boot heel. Chewie has risen to his feet, looking
embarrassed.]
Lando Calrissian. So much for sneaking in quietly.
Luke Skywalker. Come on, lets go.
[Luke leads the others towards a door to the sub-subbasement.]

End Scene 85.

Begin Scene 86.

[INT. Xizors sanctum. Guri has just entered.]
Guri. We have a problem in the sub-subbasement.
Xizor. What kind of problem?
Guri. We dont know. That area has still not been wired for surveillance, and the
guards are not answering our communications.
Xizor. Another com failure. It is either a com glitch, or else Skywalker is faster and
smarter than we thought. Have the drain sensors picked up any armies marching in under the
building?
Guri. No, Prince Xizor.
Xizor. Good. Then it is Skywalker. Hes probably alone, or else the Wookie is with
him. Send a unit to check it out.
Guri. Two squads are already on the way.
Xizor. Good. And send in the Moff on your way out. We have nothing to worry about.
[Guri bows, and exits.]

End Scene 86.

Begin Scene 87.

[INT. A corridor in Xizors castle. Luke and co. are four levels above the subsubbasement. Chewie, knowing where Leia is being held, is leading the way. The four round a
corner, and nearly run into four more of Xizors guards. Everyone with a blaster starts
shooting, and Luke blocks a number of bolts with his saber. Then, 3POs voice begins calling
over Lukes comlink.]
C-3PO. Master Luke! Master Luke!
Luke Skywalker. Were a little busy, 3PO!
C-3PO. But Master Luke, there are men coming towards the ship! Men with guns!
Luke Skywalker. Great. Just what we need.
[Luke deflects a number of bolts with his saber, and the other three shoot down the
rest of the guards. The foursome head the way the guards had come from, and Luke pulls his
comlink off of his belt.]
Luke Skywalker. 3PO?
C-3PO. Oh, Master Luke! What should we do?
Luke Skywalker. Take the ship out of there, now! Just like we talked about. Call me
back when youre in the air. Keep the ship suborbital and under the stratospheric security
sensors.
C-3PO. Yes, Master Luke.
Luke Skywalker. Go!
[He leads the other three onwards.]

End Scene 87.

Begin Scene 88.

[INT. Xizors sanctum. Guri has entered the room.]
Guri. Weve lost contact with the second unit of guards.
Xizor. In the same area?
Guri. No, Prince Xizor. Four levels up.

Xizor. Thats well beyond the normal area of com problems. Put security on full alert.
Guri. Already done.
Xizor. Good. Cancel all of my appointments. Go and fetch Princess Leia, and bring
her to my strong room.
[Guri bows, and exits.]
End Scene 88.

Begin Scene 89.

[INT. Leias room. She is sitting at the computer desk, when she feels someone
approaching. She stands up, and carries her chair over to the door, and stands on it. She
grabs the bounty hunter helmet that had been part of her disguise clutched in her hands. The
door opens, and Guri steps in. Leia jumps off, and smashes the helmet onto the back of Guris
head. The blow knocks her forward, but not off her feet. Leia scoots out of the room, and
shuts the door. She jams the lock, but Guris hammers against the door spider webs the door
with tiny cracks. Leia turns and runs.]

End Scene 89.

Begin Scene 90.

[INT. Xizors castle. Luke and co. are in a stairwell, still searching for Leia. Lukes
comlink then crackles.]
C-3PO. Master Luke, we have successfully left the building.
Luke Skywalker. 3PO, where are you?
C-3PO. Somewhere in the sky, Master Luke. Iwhat? Im flying it correctly, R2! Im
ahh!
[A crunching noise exits the comlink.]
C-3PO. You blithering ash can! If you hadnt distracted me, I would have turned in
time!

Luke Skywalker. 3PO, whats going on?

[R2s whistles exit the comlink.]
C-3PO. Oh be quiet, R2!
Luke Skywalker. 3PO!
[A sound of breaking glass is heard.]
C-3PO. Im sorry, Master Luke. Due to R2s woefully inadequate instructions, we
accidentally destroyed an advertising billboard and a broadcasting tower.
Luke Skywalker. 3PO, listen up. Bring the ship to the coordinates I gave you, okay?
And take the ship high enough so you cant hit anything.
C-3PO. Yes, Master Luke, were on the way.
[Luke breaks the connection as the group comes to a heavy, locked fireproof door.
Lando raises his blaster, but Luke stops him.]
Luke Skywalker. Wait, dont shoot. Thats magnetically shielded. The bolt will
probably bounce off and hit one of us.
Lando Calrissian. How are we supposed to get through, then?
Luke Skywalker. Stand back. Lets see of this will block a lightsaber.
[Luke pulls his saber from his belt, and ignites it . Lando moves back, and Luke moves
forward. Luke slashes at the door, which the saber cuts through.]
Luke Skywalker. Lets go.
[The four hurry through, and continue on their way.]

End Scene 90.

Begin Scene 91.

[INT. Xizors strong room. Guri bursts through the door.]
Xizor. What is it?
Guri. She got away. She was waiting when I got there. I am undamaged, but it gave
her time to slip out.

Xizor. Blast!
[Xizor moves to his desk, and pulls out a blaster.]
Xizor. Lets go find her, as well as whoever is causing these problems.
[They exit.]

End Scene 91.

Begin Scene 92.

[INT. A corridor in Xizors castle.]
Lando Calrissian. Wait, just a minute.
Luke Skywalker. What?
[Lando gestures to a box hanging on the wall.]
Lando Calrissian. Thats a security breaker.
Luke Skywalker. So?
Lando Calrissian. Move aside.
[Luke does, and Lando moves forward. He blasts the lock off the breaker, and opens
up the panel, revealing a number of wires.]
Lando Calrissian. All of the holocams and sensors are routed through these fiberoptic cables.
Luke Skywalker. How do you know that?
Lando Calrissian. Trust me.
[Lando then blasts the cables.]
Lando Calrissian. Now they cant see us, at least on this level. If we take out all of
the breakers we see, theyll go blind.
[Chewie moans something in Wookie. Lando translates, revealing a number of guards
behind them. The foursome fire back, and continue on their way. They round a corner, zigzag
through a side corridor, and sprint towards a door at the end of the hall. Before they reach it,
the door begins to slide back. Lando and Dash raise their blasters.]

Luke Skywalker. No! Dont shoot!

[The door opens to revealLeia. She and Luke run to each other, and embrace.]
Leia. Took you long enough.
[She wrinkles her nose.]
Leia. Gah! What have you been swimming in?
Luke Skywalker. The ship broke down, so we had to take a shortcut through the
sewer.
[Leia glances at Lando.]
Lando Calrissian. What are you looking at me for? It was Hans modification!
[Lukes comlink crackles.]
C-3PO. Master Luke!
Luke Skywalker. What now, 3PO?
C-3PO. We seem to have caught the attention of a robotic police vessel. It seems to
be following us.
Luke Skywalker. So lose it.
C-3PO. How, Master Luke?
Luke Skywalker. Fly like Han does.
[Leia drops her jaw in surprise.]
Leia. Youre letting the droids fly the ship? Are you crazy?
Luke Skywalker. Theyre doing all right. Just a few jitters, thats all.
C-3PO. No, R2, you heard Master Luke, Ill just loop around likewhoayaahh!
Luke Skywalker. 3PO?
C-3PO. Ah, thats better. We seem to have lost our pursuer, Master Luke. I think they
smashed into that walkway we flew under when we were upside down.
Leia. I cant believe you let the droids fly the ship!
Luke Skywalker. Will you stop saying that? 3PO, get to the coordinates like I said.
And be more careful!
C-3PO. Were doing quite well, Master Luke, dont worry.

[Luke glances up at the ceiling and sighs. The five of them then start off again.]
End Scene 92.

Begin Scene 93.

[INT. Xizors strong room.]
Guri. Should I sound the general alarm?
Xizor. No. How would that look? The head of Black Sun allows his security to be
breached? Tell the perimeter guards to watch their backs. Whoever got in had better not get
out.
[Xizor and Guri run down the corridor where Leias room was to a nearby surveillance
station. Guri taps a number of commands into a keypad. She changes the reader from pad to
voice controls.]
Guri. Display level fifteen. Anyone not wearing an employee uniform.
[The images break into a million tiny dots, and swirl around like water being drained,
and the screen goes black.]
Guri. Where is the image?
Computer. Holocam and sensor feed on level fifteen is currently non-operational.
Guri. Display level sixteen.
[The screen remains black.]
Guri. Display level seventeen.
[Again the screen remains black.]
Guri. Display level eighteen.
[The screen lights up, and shows a number of corridors in the building. No one is there
sans Black Sun employees.]
Xizor. Theyre on seventeen. Theyre blowing out the breakers so we cant see them.
If they had gotten to eighteen, that floor would also be gone. Well go to level twenty.
Knowing that it is Skywalker, I will dispatch him personally. I will *not* be embarrassed in my
own castle.

[Xizor leads Guri to a nearby turbolift. The doors open, and they enter.]

End Scene 93.

Begin Scene 94.

[INT. A stairwell in Xizors castle.]
Leia. So what *is* the plan?
Luke Skywalker. Get to the Falcon and get offworld as soon as possible.
Lando Calrissian. Lets worry about getting to the Falcon, first. If we dont get out of
here, it wont matter whos flying what.
Luke Skywalker. Nobody will think were stupid enough to go upwards, so theyre
going to try and cut us off at the ground level.
Lando Calrissian. Thats the problem with our opposition. No one ever thinks we
could ever be that stupid. Too bad they dont know that we *are* that stupid. Fools them
every time.
Luke Skywalker. Come on, lets go.
[The five of them begin climbing the stairs.]

End Scene 94.

Begin Scene 95.

[INT. A stairwell in Xizors castle. Luke and co. are still climbing.]
Dash Rendar. Level twenty. The stairs end here, so were going to have to zip in and
find another set.
Lando Calrissian. [Breathing heavily] How many levels are in this place?
Dash Rendar. As I recall, one hundred and two above ground.
Lando Calrissian. Oh, man! And we have to all the way to the roof?

Luke Skywalker. No. Theres a landing pad extending out from level fifty. Thats
where Ive told R2 and 3PO to meet us.
Dash Rendar. Thats nothing. Another thirty flights, and we wont even be breathing
hard.
Lando Calrissian. Im breathing hard already.
Dash Rendar. Youre getting old, Calrissian.
Lando Calrissian. Yeah, and Id like to get a lot older, too.
[The five of them open the door, and enter, just as Xizor and Guri step around the
corner at the other end of the hall. Xizor stops when he sees Luke, then turns sideways, and
raises his blaster, aiming at Lukes left eye. Luke, having spotted Xizor, grabs his lightsaber off
his belt, and ignites it. As Xizor fires, Luke moves the saber and blocks the bolt. Xizor fires
again, but Luke, moved by the Force, blocks the bolt. A look of fury spreads over Xizors face.
He fires again, but Luke manages to block the bolt. During this fracas, Guri has ducked into a
nearby office, and returned, carrying a large wooden chair, which she hurls at Luke and co. At
the end of the hall, Luke sees the chair hurling towards him. Chewie jumps up next to him,
raises his bowcaster, and fires, shattering the chair. Xizor realizes that he is outgunned and
Luke can block his blaster fire.]
Xizor. Move!
[Guri jumps in front of Xizor, and he ducks into the office from which she got the chair.
After several moments, she joins him.]
Xizor. Thats an interesting trick he does with that lightsaber.
Guri. He *is* related to Vader. Shall I call the guards now?
[Xizor sighs.]
Xizor. Call them.
[Guri pulls out a comlink and speaks into it. Meanwhile, back out in the corridor:]
Leia. That was Xizor!
Luke Skywalker. Good, lets get him!
Lando Calrissian. I dont think so. Look!

[He gestures to the opposite end of the hall, where Xizors guards have appeared,
firing their blasters. There is a nearby door, and Chewie smashes through it. Leia, Lando, and
Dash follow, while Luke deflects another barrage of bolts. He then enters the room, and
switches off his saber.]
Leia. Now what do we do?
[Lando glances at Luke, who nods.]
Lando Calrissian. Well, its common knowledge that desperate times call for
desperate measures.
[He reaches into his backpack, and pulls out a small, shiny metal ball, about the size of
a mans fist. The ball has controls, a finger-wide slot around the equator, and a number of
diodes on the top and in the slot. Dash takes the ball from Lando.]
Dash Rendar. This is called a thermal detonator. Landos got three of them. They
run either on a timer or a deadmans switch. Flip this switch here, press that button, and hold
it. If you release it without disarming the deadmans switch first, it will detonate.
Leia. And it will do what, exactly?
Dash Rendar. Create a small, thermonuclear fusion reaction.
Leia. A small, thermonuclear fusion reaction.
Dash Rendar. Yeah. Powerful enough to take out a decent sized chunk of whatevers
next to it.
Leia. Including us if it detonates in here?
Dash Rendar. Yeah, but your friend from Black Sun wont want us to trigger it while
hes around, least of all inside the castle.
Leia. Let me see it.
[Dash hands her the detonator.]
Leia. What happens if you dont use the deadmans switch?
Dash Rendar. It runs on a timer. The default setting is five minutes. Once you lock it
in, no one can turn it off.
Leia. Got it.

[She tucks the detonator into her bounty hunter helmet, which is clipped to her belt.]
Luke Skywalker. I think wed better have a little talk with Xizor.
[Lando hands him another detonator. Luke flips on the deadmans switch, and presses
a button. The detonator starts beeping

End Scene 95.

Begin Scene 96.

[INT. A hallway in Xizors castle. Xizor and Guri have exited the office they were in,
and step behind a dozen guards, who are pointing their blasters towards the opposite end of
the hall. Suddenly, Xizor hears a repetitive beeping sound. At the opposite end of the hallway,
Luke steps out from the office he and the others were in, carrying the thermal detonator.]
Xizor. Dont shoot! Lower your weapons!
[The guards do so. At Lukes end, Leia and the others step out behind Luke. Luke
raises the arm holding the detonator.]
Luke Skywalker. Im sure youre familiar with the thermal detonator.
Xizor. I am. What do you want?
Luke Skywalker. To leave. My friends and I.
Xizor. If you release the bomb, youll die. So will your friends.
Luke Skywalker. Were dead already. What about you? You ready to give all of this
up?
[With his free hand, Luke gestures to the castle around them.]
Xizor. I think youre bluffing, Skywalker.
Luke Skywalker. Only one way to find out. Your move.
[After several minutes of silence, Xizor finally decides.]
Xizor. All right. Leave. No one will stop you.
[Leia, Lando, Chewie, and Dash edge past Xizor and his guards, who scramble to try
and get out of the way.]

Xizor. You have caused me a great deal of trouble, Skywalker.

Luke Skywalker. Thats too bad, because youve had it coming.
Xizor. I could still shoot you, Skywalker.
Luke Skywalker. You could try.
[Luke pulls his lightsaber off of his belt with his free hand, and ignites it.]
Xizor. I could shoot one of the others. The Wookie or the princess.
Luke Skywalker. Wed all be vapor before we hit the floor. You included.
[Xizor turns around and looks at the other four. Suddenly, Lando pulls out another
detonator from his pack, and turns it on.
Xizor. Whats the point of that? You cant blow us up any more with two of those.
[Lando grins. He then turns to a door on a nearby wall, which leads to a garbage
chute. He opens it, and drops the detonator in.]
Xizor. No!
Lando Calrissian. Youve got five minutes to leave the building. If I were you, Id get
moving.
Xizor. Get to the turbolifts! Get down to the sub-subbasement, find that thing, and
get it out of there!
[Xizors guards panic, and almost bowl him over trying to get out of the building. By
the time Xizor has straightened himself out, Luke and the others have already gone. Xizor
runs to his private express turbolift. The lift rises, taking Xizor to his personal ship, the Virago.]

End Scene 96.

Begin Scene 97.

[INT. A turbolift in Xizors castle. Luke and co. are headed towards level fifty. After a
minute or so, the lift slows, and the doors open. Luke and co. see a large number of citizens
running around in a panic, waiting for the nearest lift to arrive.]
Dash Rendar. Must be quitting time.

Lando Calrissian. They have four whole minutes. Theyd better hurry.
Luke Skywalker. That was pretty cold, Lando.
Dash Rendar. The landing pad is this way.
[Dash leads them down a nearby corridor. Suddenly, Luke feels something in the
Force.]
Luke Skywalker. Go on, guys. Ill be right there.
[The others go on, while Luke hangs back. He pulls his lightsaber off his belt and
ignites it. Then, someone speaks from behind him.]
Guri. Behold the Jedi Knight. The man of legend.
[Luke turns around and sees Guri.]
Guri. You have caused my master much misfortune. You should die for that.
[Luke points the saber blade towards Guri.]
Guri. You have that blade, Skywalker, and I am unarmed.
[She holds her hands out, palms pointing towards Luke. Luke deactivates his saber,
and re-hooks it to his belt.]
Luke Skywalker. What do you want?
Guri. Simply a test. My master pits himself against the deadliest opponents he can
find. There is no man my equal in hand-to-hand combat except, if the stories are true, a Jedi
Knight.
Luke Skywalker. This building is going to blow to pieces in three minutes, and you
want to play games?
Guri. It wont take that long. Are you afraid to die, Skywalker?
Luke Skywalker. Of course I am.
[As he says this, Luke realizes that he isnt; he has the Force with him, and whatever
happens, happens. He crouches into a fighting stance, and Guri crouches into her own. Very
suddenly, Guri leaps at him. Luke is just able to sidestep her, and kick her in the hip. The blow
knocks her sideways, but not off her feet.]
Guri. Good. Very good.

[The two begin circling each other, Guri looking for an opening, when]
Leia. Luke!
[Luke turns, and sees the other four at the end of the hallway, looking at him. As he
turns back around, Guri sidesteps, and punches him in the gut. He backpedals, but she hits
him hard. She follows that up with an elbow, but he dives away. Suddenly, Luke loses contact
with the Force. Taking this advantage, Guri slaps Luke next to the ear, and he falls to the
ground, dazed.]
Ben Kenobi. [V.O.] The Force. Let it work for you, Luke
[Hearing Bens voice, Luke inhales, then exhales, blowing his fear out with the air.
From Lukes POV, Guri is moving exceptionally slow. Luke takes this advantage to roll over
and pick himself up. He then thrusts his open palm against the descending chop, then hooks
his left foot behind Guris right, and kicks her feet out from under her. Guri falls to the ground
with a crash, and Luke pulls his saber off his belt, ignites it, and points the tip at her.]
Guri. You won fairly, Skywalker. Go ahead.
[Luke hesitates, then deactivates his saber, and clips it back onto his belt.]
Luke Skywalker. Come with us. We can have you reprogrammed.
Guri. No. If somehow my memory is downloaded, it will be fatal to me as well as my
master. Better to kill me now and get it over with.
[Luke shakes his head.]
Luke Skywalker. No, theres been enough killing. Im not adding to it today.
[He nods at Guri once, turns, and runs towards the others. Once he catches up with
them, they all turn and head towards the landing bay.]

End Scene 97.

Begin Scene 98.

[EXT. The Virago, Xizors personal ship. Two guards are standing near the boarding
ramp.]

Xizor. The building is going to blow up in two minutes. Take one of the airspeeders
and get clear as fast as you can.
[The guards bow, and head off. Xizor boards the ship, and reaches the cockpit. He
waves his hand over the motion-controlled sensors, and the ship hums to life. After several
seconds]
Computer. All systems go.
[Xizor reaches for the control lever, and glances out of the viewscreen at his castle.]
Xizor. Too bad about its destruction. But I can rebuild it, at least until I can take over
the Emperors castle.
[The Virago rises into the air, and speeds away. About one hundred meters away,
Xizor spots a beat-up Corellian freighter, the Millennium Falcon, zooming right at him. Xizor
hits his emergency boosters, and narrowly avoids being hit.]
Xizor. What kind of idiot is in control of that vessel?

End Scene 98.

Begin Scene 99.

[EXT. A landing pad on level fifty of Xizors castle. Luke and co. are there, awaiting the
arrival of R2 and 3PO and the Falcon. Suddenly, Dash points up into the sky.]
Dash Rendar. Mother of Madness!
[Luke glances up, and sees the Falcon coming in, a little too fast for comfort.]
Luke Skywalker. 3PO, cut your drives! Bring the ship in on the repulsors!
[The ship does a number of maneuvers except for landing on the platform.]
Lando Calrissian. Bring it *down*, you fool droid!
[The Falcon finally is able to land on the platform, and the boarding ramp lowers.]
Luke Skywalker. Go! Go! Go!
[The five of them run for the ship, and climb up the ramp. Dash races into the cockpit
and shoves 3PO aside. His fingers dance over the controls.]

Lando Calrissian. Come on, Dash!

[The Falcon rises into the air, and zooms away. Luke glances out of the cockpit, and
sees the landing platform crumble and fall away.]
Luke Skywalker. Well, so much for Xizors castle. The hard part is over.

End Scene 99.

Begin Scene 100.

[INT. The Virago. Xizor is talking to the captain of his private Navy.]
Xizor. There is a Corellian freighter leaving the planet shortly. It is a TY-1300, a little
over twenty five meters long. Locate and destroy it, by any means necessary. However, if it is
able to get past your blockade, commander, you and anyone else I consider responsible will be
fertilizer before the sun rises. Understood?
Captain. Understood, Prince Xizor.
[Xizor cuts the communication.]

End Scene 100.

Begin Scene 101.

[INT. The Executor, Darth Vaders Super Star Destroyer.]
Officer. Lord Vader, you asked to see anything regarding this name.
[The officer hands Vader a plastic sheet full of information.]
Darth Vader. Where did this originate?
Officer. An encoded transmission from the ship Virago, en route to the skyhook
Falleens Fist in high orbit. The ship is registered to
Darth Vader. I know who it is registered to.
[Vader crumples the sheet in his fist.]

Darth Vader. Prepare my shuttle. [V.O.] I told Xizor to stay away from Skywalker.
Xizor ignored that order. That was a very grievous error.
[The officer bows, and hurries off, Vader walking slowly behind him.]

End Scene 101.

Begin Scene 102.

[INT. The Millennium Falcon.]
Dash Rendar. Take over, will you, Luke?
Luke Skywalker. Sure.
[Dash stands up, and Luke switches from the co-pilots seat to the pilots seat.
Luke Skywalker. Where are you going?
Dash Rendar. Nowhere. I just need to whistle up my steed.
Luke Skywalker. What?
[Dash pulls out a small box from his coverall.]
Dash Rendar. Long range shielded single-channel comlink. I need to call Leebo and
have him rendezvous with us. This old crate still carries vac-suits doesnt it?
Luke Skywalker. Yeah, I think so. Youll need to ask Lando where they are, though.
Dash Rendar. And after all of this, you go your way, and I go mine.
Luke Skywalker. You know, you really ought to consider signing on with the Rebel
Alliance. Youre a good man, and we could use you.
Dash Rendar. I dont think so. Im not much of a joiner.
[Dash ambles out of the cockpit.]

End Scene 102.

Begin Scene 103.

[INT. The command center of Xizors skyhook. The whole room is simply a command
deck with a transparisteel plate that allows Xizor a 360 view of space around the skyhook.
Xizor is talking to the captain of his Navy over his com unit.]
Xizor. Have your vessels been deployed yet, Captain?
Captain. Yes, Prince Xizor. Our sensors have been set to detect any vessel matching
the description you provided. If it comes this way, well spot it.
Xizor. Very good. Keep me informed.
[Xizor shuts off the communication channel.]

End Scene 103.

Begin Scene 104.

[INT. The Millennium Falcon. Dash is talking to Luke and co. over the Falcons
intercom.]
Dash Rendar. Thanks for the ride, Luke.
Luke Skywalker. No problem, Dash. You want to race to the jump spot?
[Dash laughs.]
Dash Rendar. You want a parsec head start?
Luke Skywalker. No, I just
[Suddenly, a green blaster bolt flashes between the Falcon and the Outrider, which is
hanging off of the Falcons port bow.]
Luke Skywalker. Uh oh. It looks as if weve got company.
[Luke punches the controls, and moves the Falcon out of the line of fire.]
Lando Calrissian. Weve got an unmarked corvette coming in a two-seventy! Those
arent TIE Fighters. Who are these guys?
Luke Skywalker. Who cares? Weve got to move Leia, Chewie, get to the guns.
Leia. You heard the man, fur ball. Do you want dorsal or ventral?
[Chewie moans something in Wookie. He and Leia hurry off.]

Luke Skywalker. Good luck, Dash.

Dash Rendar. You too, Luke,
[Luke and Dash turn their respective ships, and await for any more of the unmarked
attackers.]

End Scene 104.

Begin Scene 105.

[INT. Falleens Fist. Xizor is talking to the captain of his Navy.]
Captain. Prince Xizor, we have found the Corellian freighter. Were engaging it now,
and it should be destroyed momentarily.
Xizor. Dont be so sure, Captain. They have been extremely lucky today.
Captain. Theyll need more than luck, Prince Xizor; theyll need a miracle. We have
them completely surrounded.
[Xizor nods, then turns off the communication.]

End Scene 105.

Begin Scene 106.

[INT. The Millennium Falcon.]
Luke Skywalker. Theres a wall between us and where we need to go.
Lando Calrissian. So find another way. You want me to fly?
Luke Skywalker. No, I can do it.
[A blaster bolt rocks the Falcon, as the shields are hit.]
Luke Skywalker. I thought you two were supposed to be shooting back!
[Chewie and Leia both yell something over the comlink, but Luke is paying too much
attention to flying.]

Lando Calrissian. Chewie was asking how hes supposed to shoot anything with you
looping around like this.
Luke Skywalker. What do you mean? Were surrounded! He should hit anything no
matter where he shoots!
[Looking out of the cockpit, Luke and Lando see the Outrider blast past, its cannons
firing. Luke sees one of the Outriders bolts destroy a fighter.]
Luke Skywalker. You see how its done, Chewie?
[Chewie moans something in Wookie over the comlink.]

End Scene 106.

Begin Scene 107.

[INT. Falleens Fist. The captain has called back.]
Xizor. Have you stopped that ship yet, Captain?
Captain. Not yet, Prince Xizor. They arequite skilled. And there are two ships firing
back at us. We dont have transponder signal for the second ship, but it is heavily armed.
Xizor. If my own Navy cannot disable two ships, then perhaps it needs a new
commander.
Captain. We will destroy them, Prince Xizor. Our net is closing. They are running out
of room.

End Scene 107.

Begin Scene 108.

[INT. The Millennium Falcon. Luke is still flying through the number of ships, while
trying to give Leia and Chewie good set-up shots.]
Lando Calrissian. Boy these guys stink. They dont care who they hit.

[Luke nods, then glances out of the cockpit. He notices one of the fighters coming
right at him. However, within a meter of the Falcon, the ship explodes. The Falcon flies
through the debris.]
Luke Skywalker. Good shot! Who got it? Was that you, Leia?
Leia. It wasnt me; it must have been Chewie!
[Chewie moans something in Wookie.]
Lando Calrissian. Well if it wasnt Leia and it wasnt Chewie, then who was it?
[Suddenly, the Falcons comlink crackles, and a recognizable voice comes through.]
Wedge Antilles. Hey, Luke! Okay if we join your little party?
Luke Skywalker. Wedge! What are you doing here?
Wedge Antilles. Waiting for you. Dashs droid sent us a distress signal. Sorry it took
us so long to get here.
[Another unmarked attacker blows up.]
Luke Skywalker. Well, just dont let it happen again! [To Lando.] Now that Rogue
Squad is here, our odds look a little bit better.
Lando Calrissian. Yeah, but not by much.

End Scene 108.

Begin Scene 109.

[INT. Falleens Fist. Xizor is again talking to his Navy commander.]
Captain. There seems to be a slight problem, Prince Xizor.
Xizor. So I noticed. Why are your ships being blown up, commander?
Captain. A squadron of X-Wing fighters has joined the fray, Prince Xizor. No more
than a dozen of them. But they will not be a problem; they will simplydelay the inevitable.
Xizor. Are your sure, commander?
Captain. We still outnumber them twenty to one, Prince Xizor. And our frigates are
standing by in case they are able to get past the corvettes and fighters. There is no escape.

Xizor. Hope that you are right, commander.

End Scene 109.

Begin Scene 110.

[INT. The Millennium Falcon. Luke is still flying the ship, while trying to give Leia and
Chewie set-up shots.]
Leia. [Over comlink.] Have you figured out who these guys are?
Luke Skywalker. No, not yet.
Leia. Bet you a credit theyre Xizors.
[Luke and Lando glance at each other.]
Luke Skywalker. Makes sense. Not that it makes much difference.
Lando Calrissian. Two coming in one-fifty!
[The Falcon rockets away in a steep climb.]
Leia. What are you doing, Luke?
Luke Skywalker. Giving you a perfect set-up shot. Fire!

End Scene 110.

Begin Scene 111.

[INT. The Executor.]
Darth Vader. Once we circle around the planet, establish contact with the skyhook
Falleens Fist. I wish to talk to Prince Xizor.
Technician. Yes, Lord Vader.

End Scene 111.

Begin Scene 112.

[INT. The Millennium Falcon. Dash is talking through the comlink.]

Dash Rendar. I think weve got trouble, buddy.
Luke Skywalker. Wedge?
Wedge Antilles. Im afraid hes right, Luke. These guys are only so-so pilots, but
there are a lot of them. Were still outnumbered at least fifteen to one. We dont have room
to run or room to maneuver. Theyre closing in, and they dont care if they kill innocent
civilians.
Luke Skywalker. I guess well just have to take as many of them with us as we can.
Unless anyone wants to surrender?
[Both Dash and Wedge laugh.]
Luke Skywalker. Thats what I thought. May the Force be with you.
[Glancing out of the cockpit, Luke sees a squad of TIE Fighters closing in.]
Lando Calrissian. Uh oh.
Luke Skywalker. Yeah, I was wondering what was keeping them. [He glances at
Lando.] Thanks for everything, Lando. Youve been a good friend.
Lando Calrissian. I dont want to hear that kind of talk; I still *am* a good friend.
[Luke nods, and glances out of the cockpit again. He sees two TIE Fighters flash past
and, to his surprise, take out two of the unknown attackers.]
Lando Calrissian. What was that?
Leia. Luke, I just saw
Luke Skywalker. I know, I saw it, too. Whats going on?

End Scene 112.

Begin Scene 113.

[INT. Falleens Fist.]
Captain. Prince Xizor, were being attacked by the Imperial Navy!
[Xizor glances to his right, and sees a tech waving at him.]

Xizor. This better be good; your life hangs in the balance.

Tech. Its Lord Vader! He wishes to speak to you!
Xizor. Put him on.
[Vaders image swirls into life in front of Xizor.]
Xizor. Lord Vader, why is the Imperial Navy attacking my ships?
Darth Vader. Because the ships under your command are engaging in criminal
activities.
Xizor. Rubbish! My Navy is trying to stop a Rebel traitor who destroyed my castle!
Darth Vader. You have two standard minutes to recall your vessels and surrender
yourself into my custody.
Xizor. I will do no such thing. I will take this up with the Emperor.
Darth Vader. The Emperor is not here. I speak for the Empire, Xizor.
Xizor. *Prince* Xizor.
Darth Vader. You may keep the title for another two minutes.
Xizor. Really, Lord Vader, what are you going to do? Destroy my skyhook?
Darth Vader. I warned you to stay away from Luke Skywalker; you did not. Recall
your ships and surrender into my custody or pay the consequences. I shall deal with the
Emperors displeasure. Unfortunately, *you* will not be there to witness it.
[Vaders image vanishes.]
Xizor. [V.O.] Would Vader really fire on the skyhook? I doubt it.

End Scene 113.

Begin Scene 114.

[INT. The Millennium Falcon.]
Lando Calrissian. Look out, Luke!
Luke Skywalker. I see him!

[Luke moves the Falcon out of the way of a blaster bolt fired by a TIE Fighter at one of
Xizors ships.]
Luke Skywalker. Why is the Navy firing on Xizors ships? Theyre on the same side,
arent they?
Lando Calrissian. Thank your lucky stars for small miracles. If theyre shooting at
each other, then they arent shooting at us. Look out!
[Luke moves the Falcon out of the path of an incoming TIE.]

End Scene 114.

Begin Scene 115.

[INT. The Executor. Darth Vader is listening to a decoded transmission from Xizors
captain to Xizors skyhook.]
Captain. Prince Xizor, were being destroyed by the Imperial Navy! Were
outnumbered and being slaughtered! I need your permission to offer our surrender!
[Vader glances at a nearby chronometer.]
Darth Vader. Not much left for the Dark Prince now.
[The sand falls away. Seven secondssix secondsfive seconds]
Captain. Prince Xizor, please respond! We must surrender or well be blown to rubble!
[Four secondsthree seconds
Captain. Highness, I
[The captains transmission is cut off. A TIE Fighter has obviously destroyed his ship.
Two secondsone second]
Darth Vader. Commander, destroy that skyhook.
Commander. Yes, Lord Vader.
[Vader breathes deeply.]
Darth Vader. Goodbye, Xizor. And good riddance.

End Scene 115.

Begin Scene 115.

[INT. The Millennium Falcon. The ship is facing Xizors skyhook when suddenly, the
Executor charges up its guns and destroys the skyhook.]
Lando Calrissian. Oh man. They must have made someone *real* mad.
[The Falcons comlink crackles.]
Dash Rendar. Heads up, boys! Somebody just opened us up an escape hatch! Follow
me!
Luke Skywalker. Dash, we cant fly through that wreckage, are you crazy?
Dash Rendar. We dont have a choice, farm boy. There are ships everywhere!
Whats the matter, kid? Dont think you can do it?
Luke Skywalker. All right. Guests first; go ahead, Dash.
[The Outrider flashes past the Falcon, when Luke and Lando notice a large piece of
debris headed towards Dash.]
Lando Calrissian. Look out, Dash!
[The ship and the piece of debris are too close for comfort. As the debris hits the
Outriders hull, a bright light forces Luke to look away, and Lando to hold up a hand to his
forehead to block the glare. When everything settles down, the Outrider is gone.]
Lando Calrissian. Oh man. Hesgone.
Luke Skywalker. We cant worry about that now. Brace yourselves, this is going to
be rough!
[The Falcon safely navigates through the debris, and enters hyperspace.]

End Scene 115.

Begin Scene 116.

[INT. A secret moon base of the Rebellion, several light-years away from Imperial
Center. Luke is standing with Lando, Leia, Chewie, R2-D2, and C-3PO inside the building,
glancing out of a viewport into space.]
Lando Calrissian. So if Xizor was on that skyhook as our intel reports say, Id say
Black Suns reps will stop looking for you, Luke.
Leia. Theres still Vader.
Luke Skywalker. I dont think Vader wants me dead. At least not yet. But well deal
with that when the time comes.
[Wedge comes running over.]
Wedge Antilles. Luke, Ive got some a message for you, from the Bothans. It was for
Dash, but under the circumstancesanyway, that missile that Dash supposedly missed during
that fracas off Bothawui? Turns out he didnt miss.
Luke Skywalker. What?
Wedge Antilles. It was one of the Empires new diamond-boron armored jobs.
Nothing he had to throw at it could have stopped it.
Luke Skywalker. Oh man. He didnt screw up. But now hell never know.
Wedge Antilles. What are you going to do now?
Luke Skywalker. Were going to get Han. If he isnt on Tatooine yet, he will be soon.
Wedge Antilles. Youre just going to dance into the Hutts palace and grab him, just
like that?
Luke Skywalker. I have a plan. And it should work.
[Luke turns back to the viewscreen, and stares out at the stars.]

End Scene 116.

Begin Scene 117.

[INT. The Emperors chamber on Imperial Center. Darth Vader is in front of the
Emperor, bent on one knee.]

The Emperor. You defied my orders, Lord Vader.

Darth Vader. Yes, my master. But I hope I have not failed you.
The Emperor. Rise.
[Vader does so.]
The Emperor. I am not unaware that Xizor served his own ends, and that you were
shrewd to have uncovered his plot. I knew about it, of course. Are we certain he is dead?
Darth Vader. I do not see how he could have survived. I watched as his skyhook was
disintegrated into pieces.
The Emperor. Just as well. Black Sun is useful, but it is like a chirru you cut off its
head, and another appears to replace it.
Darth Vader. Perhaps the next leader will be equally dangerous.
The Emperor. No leader of Black Sun could ever be as powerful as the Dark Side of
the Force.
Darth Vader. But what about the plot to ensnare the Rebel leaders?
The Emperor. The new Death Star will draw them in. And this time, both you and I
will be there to finish this pitiful Rebel Alliance. Young Skywalker will be there, too. It is all
going exactly as I have foreseen it.
[Under his mask, Vader smiles.]

End Scene 117.

Begin Scene 118.

[INT. Obi-Wan Kenobis home on Tatooine. Luke is standing in the middle of the living
room, with R2 in front of him.]
Luke Skywalker. Okay, R2, start recording.
[R2 whistles, and starts his recording projector.]
Luke Skywalker. Greetings, Exalted One. Allow me to introduce myself. I am Luke
Skywalker, Jedi Knight, and friend to Captain Solo. I know you are powerful, mighty Jabba, and

that your anger with Solo must be equally powerful. I seek an audience with Your Greatness to
bargain for Solos life. With your wisdom, Im sure we can work out an arrangement that will
be mutually beneficial and enable us to avoid any unpleasant confrontation. As a token of my
goodwill, I present you a gift these two droids. [He fights a grin.] Both are hardworking, and
will serve you well.
[Luke glances at R2, and raises an eyebrow. R2 shuts off his recorder.]
Leia. [Standing behind R2.] You think that will do it?
Luke Skywalker. I hope so. Only one way to find out, though.
[Leia walks over, and hugs Luke.]
Luke Skywalker. Hey, after all we went through, rescuing one beat up old pirate
ought to be easy, right?
[Leia smiles.]
Leia. Right.
[Luke returns her smile.]
Leia. Hold on, Han. Were coming for you.
[FADE OUT.]

CREDITS

CAST
Luke Skywalker Mark Hamill
Leia Carrie Fisher
Han Solo Harrison Ford (archive footage)
Lando Calrissian Billy Dee Williams
Chewbacca Peter Mayhew
C-3PO Anthony Daniels
R2-D2 Kenny Baker
Dash Rendar Kevin Costner/Tim Roth

Xizor
Guri
Wedge Antilles Denis Lawson