STAR WARS EPISODE VII: A RISING SHADOW

byMichael Strauss

michael@selectivecontinuity.com

BLACK SCREEN

SUPER:

A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away...

FADE IN:

EXT. SPACE

The MAIN TITLE is superimposed over a black star field beforefading into the familiar opening crawl.

Since the defeat of the Sith Lords, Palpatine and Darth Vader,the Rebel Alliance has struggled to grow into a rebornREPUBLIC. Remnants of the Galactic Empire still clutchdwindling power.

The long years of conflict, invasion and reconstruction havemade the galaxy a fertile ground for gangsters and criminals. Despite Luke Skywalker's efforts, there are still too fewJedi Knights.

Meanwhile, Senator Leia Solo leads a diplomatic mission tonegotiate the peaceful transfer of another Imperial starsystem to Republic control, unaware of the danger thatawaits...

TILT DOWN to the verdant planet of TAANAB, a lush worldorbited by two populated moons and multiple space stations. A REPUBLIC CRUISER approaches the planet from out of frame. Flying in escort formation are two X-WING FIGHTERS.

A pair of TIE INTERCEPTORS swoop down alongside the cruiserand form up behind the X-wings.

INT. WEDGE'S X-WING FIGHTER - COCKPIT

WEDGE ANTILLES, veteran of innumerable campaigns, calmlyactivates his comlink.

WEDGERogue Two, this is Rogue Leader. Itlooks like the locals have shown up.

INT. ROGUE TWO'S X-WING FIGHTER - COCKPIT

ROGUE TWONo matter how many times we do this,having those things on my six makesmy palms sweat.

INT. WEDGE'S X-WING FIGHTER - COCKPIT

WEDGEJust stay in formation. We don'twant any surprises.

2.

ROGUE TWO(via comlink)

Copy that, boss.

EXT. SPACE - TAANAB

The cruiser and its mismatched escorts approach orbit.

INT. REPUBLIC CRUISER - HALLWAY -- DAY

SEE-THREEPIO and ARTOO-DETOO, polished and gleaming, aremaking their way along the spaceship's passage.

THREEPIOI absolutely will not ask her.

Artoo beeps, annoyed.

THREEPIO (CONT'D)The senator does not need a foul-mouthed tool kit getting under footand disrupting the negotiations.

Artoo lets fly a series of beeps and whistles.

THREEPIO (CONT'D)Well of course I'll be there. Myskills are an essential part of theprocess. I am fluent in over sixmillion forms of communication. Even yours.

Artoo's whistle is a groan.

The droids stop at a door and Threepio punches in the lockcode on a keypad.

INT. REPUBLIC CRUISER - LEIA'S CABIN -- DAY

The cabin is well lived-in, serving as both apartment andoffice. Seated at her desk is SENATOR LEIA SOLO, fifty andboth poised and regal. A senator of the Republic.

Leia sips from a mug as she speaks to a hologram of anattractive YOUNG WOMAN.

LEIAAnd how is the Falcon holdingtogether?

YOUNG WOMANChewie got her up to point five pastlight speed yesterday. He's beenshowing off but doesn't think I cantell.

3.

LEIAI wish you weren't detouring throughthe Outer Rim on your way back toCoruscant.

INT. PUBLIC SPACEPORT HANGAR - HOLOGRAM BOOTH -- CONTINUOUS

The spaceport's main hangar is bustling with activity. People, ships, and aliens of all sorts are going about theirbusiness, visible through the transparent walls of a hologrambooth.

Speaking to a quarter-sized projection of Leia is the youngwoman, KIKU SOLO. She's twenty, with her mother's hair andfather's smile, wearing a casual jacket and undershirt, withthe top half of her flight suit tied around her waist. Ablaster is strapped to her hip and hanging from her utilitybelt is a LIGHTSABER.

KIKUCome on, mom. I'm flying around inthe fastest ship in the galaxy, withan ornery, two-hundred and thirtyyear-old Wookiee pilot. Plus, Ihave this...

Kiku taps her lightsaber and flashes the Solo grin.

KIKU (CONT'D)Hey, the Force is my ally.

INTERCUT LEIA'S OFFICE/HOLOGRAM BOOTH

LEIABe careful, Kiku. Your uncle wouldbe quick to tell you that the Forceis a powerful tool but it's not yourally yet. Your still have a longway to go in your training.

Kiku brushes it off.

KIKUWhat's Taanab like, Mom? Have youseen the forests yet?

LEIAWe're still in orbit, waiting forclearance to land from Moff Sandage'speople. But I don't think therewill be time for much sightseeingwhile we're here. Sandage has beencagey since he reached out to theRepublic. I just hope we can avoidtoo many complications during thisnegotiation.

4.

KIKUIt's just another star system. Whatcould they want?

LEIAYou'll find, my dear, that that oftenturns out to be a long and ever-changing list. How many drones doesLuke have you sparring against now?

KIKUTwo, but he keeps threatening a third.

Kiku winces at the thought.

LEIAThe way these can go, sometimes it'slike sparring against all the trainingdrones at once. But Taanab has ashared culture between the planetand it's two inhabited moons, whichshould help.

KIKUAnd a skilled negotiator.

Leia smiles.

LEIAAnd a skilled negotiator. Who alsohappens to be worried about the timeoff her daughter's been taking fromher studies.

KIKUI have two more days before UncleLuke expects me back. Plenty oftime for a detour to Nal Hutta...

LEIAKiku Solo! You will not...

KIKUMom. Do you think Chewie would letme out of his sight for that long? Don't worry.

LEIAYou know I can't help it. The warmay be long over but freedom fromthe Empire's oppression came with aprice. Many parts of the galaxy arepractically lawless. Especially outwhere you are now.

Kiku nods. She's heard this before.

5.

LEIA (CONT'D)Your connection to the Force givesyou protection, but it's also makingyou impatient. A mother can sensethat, even from half a galaxy away.

KIKUI'll be careful, Mom.

LEIAI know you will. I trust you. Butnot all problems can be solved witha blaster, or a lightsaber. Youneed to be smart as well as good.

Kiku recites a lesson that's been drilled into her many times.

KIKUThe Force is about compassion asmuch as it is protection. Withoutcompassion one opens herself to theDark Side.

LEIAIt sounds like Luke's been teachingyou memorization too. That's okaybecause I also trust Chewbacca.

Kiku looks back over her shoulder where, out on the hangardeck, CHEWBACCA is making full use of his imposing heightwhile barking at a SERVICE TECHNICIAN.

KIKUOh yeah. He's keeping me in line.

She turns back to the projection of her mother.KIKU (CONT'D)

We'll be fine, mom. Just a couplemore days. You'll be able to tellme all about the negotiations backon Coruscant.

LEIATell me now. How was your father?

KIKUYou know Dad, Mom. He's Dad.

It hangs in the air.

KIKU (CONT'D)But you should talk to him. Hewouldn't say it, but he misses you.

LEIAYour father's always been...

6.

Leia chooses the word.

LEIA (CONT'D)Stubborn. He understands why I stillhave work to do.

The door to Leia's quarters slides open, admitting See-Threepio and Artoo-Detoo.

THREEPIO(to Artoo)

No, I will not ask her.

LEIAAhem.

Threepio looks up at Leia and the hologram.

THREEPIOOh my! I apologize, Your Highness. My annoying counterpart...

Threepio knocks Artoo on the dome.

ARTOO whistles low.

THREEPIO (CONT'D)And I wanted to inform you that I amready to join the conference on theplanet's surface. Once you're readyto go, that is.

KIKUHi, Threepio.

LEIA(to Kiku)

Well, it looks as though I'm beingsummoned. Contact me again at yournext stop, okay?

KIKUSure thing, mom.

Kiku notices that the discussion between Chewbacca and thetechnician is becoming more heated.

KIKU (CONT'D)I need to go and make sure we canstill get out of here with everyone'sarms still in their sockets, butgood luck.

LEIAThanks.

7.

In the hologram booth, Kiku clicks off the projector andLeia's image flickers out.

INT. LEIA'S CABIN -- CONTINUOUS

Leia snaps off her hologram projector and turns to the droids.LEIA

Threepio. Artoo.

An AIDE enters behind the droids.

AIDEExcuse me, Senator.

LEIAYes?

AIDEWe've received clearance to landfrom the local authorities. Theyhave also announced a welcomingreception.

Leia's done this before.

LEIAThen I'd best prepare. I'll be rightthere.

AIDEYes, ma'am.

The aide exits.

Leia GESTURES and a holster with a small blaster FLOATS acrossthe room into her hand. She pulls up one sleeve and bucklesit onto her arm.

LEIA"Not all problems can be solved witha blaster."

Her sleeve conceals the blaster completely.

LEIA (CONT'D)(to Threepio)

I'm ready.

THREEPIOArtoo has volunteered to stay herewith the ship.

Artoo, perpetually ignored, whistles in disagreement.

8.

INT. PUBLIC SPACEPORT HANGAR -- MOMENTS LATER

Kiku strides across the hangar towards the MILLENNIUM FALCON,the battered freighter showing ever year of its age. Beneathits shadow, Chewbacca's disagreement with the technician isbeginning to attract rubberneckers. A pair of LOCAL SECURITYhave not-so-casually backed up the technician.

KIKUChewie!

The technician notices Kiku.

TECHNICIANHey, girlie. You need to get yourWookiee to back down.

Chewbacca barks at the technician again. Kiku gets betweenthem.

KIKUChewbacca! What's wrong?

Chewbacca chuffs a response.

KIKU (CONT'D)Departure inspection?

(to the technician)What departure inspection?

TECHNICIANThe Dock Master has this freighterflagged. We need to inspect it forcontraband before you can get flightclearance.

Chewbacca growls in protest.

KIKUYeah. My captain here is right. Noone's getting aboard this ship. Wedocked here to refuel. That's it. Neither of us have left the mainhangar and we haven't taken on anycargo.

Chewbacca grumbles.

KIKU (CONT'D)My captain wants to know how muchit'll cost him to bypass theinspection.

TECHNICIANOne thousand.

9.

KIKUOne thousand?

TECHNICIANMaybe you can remind your captainthat there's no Empire out here. NoRepublic either. If he doesn't likeit he can take it up with the DockMaster.

(re: her lightsaber)And don't go thinking you can convinceme otherwise.

Chewie doesn't like it. Kiku notes the security, who'rewatching the two of them with steeled eyes.

KIKUHere.

She goes into a pouch on her belt and pays the bribe. Thetechnician gives it a quick count before waving off thesecurity.

TECHNICIANI'll signal the booth to give youclearance. Safe travels.

KIKUSure.

She turns

KIKU (CONT'D)Come on, Chewie. Let's get out ofhere before we have to pass any moreinspections.

Chewbacca BELLOWS at two service droids who are fussing aroundthe Falcon's landing gear. They squeals off and Chewie stompsup the Falcon's boarding ramp, growling complaints the wholeway.

Kiku looks over her shoulder around the busy hangar but noone is paying them any more attention. She follows the bigWookiee up the ramp, which closes after her.

INT. MILLENNIUM FALCON COCKPIT

Chewie is in the pilot's seat, running though a pre-flightchecklist. Kiku comes through the open hatch and settlesinto the co-pilot's chair. She thumbs on the comlink.

KIKUDock Side Control, this is thefreighter.. Ah...

10.

Chewie TAPS a transponder on the control panel, drawing herattention.

KIKU (CONT'D)Spoiled Princess requesting departureclearance.

The comlink CLICKS and BUZZES. Kiku covers the microphonewith her hand and gives Chewbacca a quizzical look.

KIKU (CONT'D)(mouths)

Spoiled Princess?

Chewbacca laughs.

CONTROL(via comlink)

Affirmative, Princess. You haveclearance for the primary port sidebay.

KIKUThanks, Control.

INT. PUBLIC SPACEPORT HANGAR

The Millennium Falcon LIFTS UP, its landing gear retracting. The freighter smoothly rotates toward a large open bay door,through which the blackness of space is held back by invisibleshields. The Falcon expertly drifts across the hangar towardthe bay door.

Below, the technician spares the spaceship a glance beforechecking off a notation on a handheld computer screen.

EXT. SPACE - PUBLIC SPACEPORT

The Falcon emerges from underneath the enormous spaceport,adjusts course, and ACCELERATES into the blackness.INT. MILLENNIUM FALCON - COCKPIT

Chewbacca pushes forward on the hyperspace controls. Starsblur into streaks as the ship jumps into light speed.EXT. KAMINO -- DAY

An enclosed single-seat SPEEDER rockets along the planet'socean surface, low enough to leave a long, violent wake ofseawater behind it. The speeder is making a B-line towardthe abandoned ruins of a floating city - TIPOCA CITY. Thecity is an interconnected network of enclosed high-tech domesin various states of disrepair.

Through the speeder's windshield, the pilot, DARTH IKARI,thirty and athletic, is just visible.

11.

He's clad in all black tactical gear: combat boots, gloves,and a hooded, high-buttoned military jacket. His featuresare obscured by a black space helmet with a reflective blackface shield.

INT. SPEEDER -- CONTINUOUS

Inside the speeder's cockpit, the pilot adjusts some controls.EXT. TIPOCA CITY LANDING PAD

The speeder gracefully circles the landing pad before settlingin to a landing. From up close, the cracks and damage tothe city are even more apparent. Some sections have alreadyfallen beneath the waves.

The speeder's boarding ramp opens with a HISS and cloud ofescaping gas. Ikari descends the ramp and walks over to thelanding pad's door to the inner city.

Hanging from his utility belt is a LIGHTSABER.

He punches a code into the door's keypad but there's noresponse. A second try, no luck.

Darth Ikari SIGHS and removes his helmet. He has the chalkwhite skin, black hair, and shadowed eyes of the alienRATTATAKI people.

He drops the helmet and covers his head with the jacket'soversized hood. Then Ikari reaches out with the Force,PUSHING at the door.

The metal door groans in protest before giving way. Insideis darkness.

Ikari reaches down and, from his utility belt, grabs not thelightsaber but the tiny flashlight next to it. He clicksthe flashlight on and follows its beam through the doorwayinto the dark.

INT. OPERATIONS CENTER

Darth Ikari is surrounded by banks of dead computer terminalsand workstations. Decades of dust cover everything.

He speaks into a wrist-mounted comlink.

IKARIAll systems are off-line. No one'sbeen here since before the Rebellion. It's remote enough, but the workcrew required to keep the city afloatwould be prohibitive.

Ikari pans his gaze around the room again.

12.

IKARI (CONT'D)I'm going to pursue the nextobjective...

(beat)My master.

INT. MILLENNIUM FALCON - COCKPIT

Kiku slouches in the co-pilot's chair with her feet proppedup across the pilot's seat, idly watching the swirling bluenothing of hyperspace outside the ship. She taps on thecomlink.

KIKUChewbacca, are you sure there'snothing I can do to help? I grew upcrawling around the Falcon. Youwere there, you big fur ball.

INT. MILLENNIUM FALCON - HOLD

The Wookiee has pulled apart an access panel and is tinkeringwith one of the Falcon's systems. Parts and tools lie indisarray around him.

KIKU(via comlink)

You know I know her inside and out.

Chewbacca barks his answer.

INT. MILLENNIUM FALCON - COCKPIT

Kiku cut off his response.

KIKUIt's time for your Jedi meditationmy skinny Corellian...

A flashing distress call lights up on the comm board.

KIKU (CONT'D)What?

She pulls up the incoming transmission. The voice thatcrackles through is stressed to breaking.

VOICE(via comlink)

Warning call to all ships withinrange of this transmission. We areunder siege with no hope for rescue. Repeat. To all ships: stay clear ofthe Tatooine system. Mercenarieshave cordoned off the system and...

13.

Kiku listens intently, before making a decision. She flipsthe comlink over to internal.

INT. MILLENNIUM FALCON - HOLD

Chewbacca holds a pair of goggles to his face, as he arc-welds the upgrade into place.

KIKU(via comlink)

Chewie, get up here.

Chewie barks a complaint and finishes his work. He setsdown the welder, inspects the job and, satisfied, lumbersoff toward the cockpit.

INT. MILLENNIUM FALCON - COCKPIT

Kiku is reading off the navigation computers as Chewie lowershimself into the pilot's chair. She turns the transmissionplayback on.

KIKUThis came through while you weremeditating.

VOICEClear of the Tatooine system. Mercenaries have cordoned off thesystem and are shooting down anyships who try to enter or leave. This is a warning call to all ships...

She clicks it off.

KIKUTatooine. It's on our flight path.

Chewbacca cuts her off with a lengthy series of barks andgrowls.

KIKU (CONT'D)I know. I know. But what I am goingto tell Uncle Luke? That we got adistress call and ignored it?

Chewbacca barks the affirmative.

KIKU (CONT'D)I'm training to be a Jedi, Chewie. We stop. We help.

Chewbacca barks a complaint.

KIKU (CONT'D)You know that's not true.

(MORE)

14.

KIKU (CONT'D)Dad doubled back to help people plentyof times. And you were there.

Kiku reaches over and pulls down on the controls.

KIKU (CONT'D)Look, it's my decision. Okay?

Outside, the stars slow back into dots of light against theblack. Visibly close is the mottled tan of TATOOINE.

A sickening CRUNCH of metal on metal ROCKS the Falcon.

Through the cockpit viewports, the blocky shape of a PIRATESTARFIGHTER ricochets away from the Falcon in an uncontrolledspin.

KIKU (CONT'D)What was that?

Chewbacca barks once, snapping into action at the controls.

KIKU (CONT'D)I see something hit us. I didn'tknow something was going to hit us. Okay?

The ship rocks again with the sounds of laser blasts hittingthe Falcon's shields.

KIKU (CONT'D)(to the outside)

Accidental!

EXT. SPACE - MILLENNIUM FALCON

The Falcon dips and dives through a series of evasivemaneuvers. A squad of the pirate starfighters are in pursuit,firing laser blasts at the dodging freighter. Thestarfighters are uniformly square, blocky collections ofengines and weapons with a forward cockpit, room for a singlepilot.

INT. MILLENNIUM FALCON - COCKPIT

Chewbacca is putting the Falcon through her paces. He barksa command.

KIKUI'll take the dorsal quad.

She leaps out of her seat, exiting the cockpit.

INT. MILLENNIUM FALCON - HOLD

Kiku races through the hold to the gunports.

15.

INT. MILLENNIUM FALCON - COCKPIT - GUNPORT

Kiku climbs up the ladder and drops into place at the controlsof one of the Falcon's main laser cannons, a rotating turret. She flips on the targeting computer and puts on the comlinkheadset.

KIKUIncom? Kuat? They're not Corellian.

INT. MILLENNIUM FALCON - COCKPIT

Chewbacca barks the answer into his headset.

INT. MILLENNIUM FALCON - COCKPIT - GUNPORT

Kiku spins the turret tracking one of the attacking ships. She squeezes off a blast, missing.

KIKURendili interdictors.

She fires off another volley. This time it's a hit. Theship explodes into a ball of fire.

KIKU (CONT'D)That's one!

EXT. SPACE

The Falcon barrel rolls, returning fire with the pursuingpirates.

INT. MILLENNIUM FALCON - COCKPIT - GUNPORT

Kiku tracks the turret around, scanning for another target.

KIKUI think we're losing them!

EXT. SPACE

Six more starfighters swoop into frame, joining the chase. Their laser cannons firing at will.

INT. MILLENNIUM FALCON - COCKPIT

Chewbacca steers the ship though another maneuver.

INT. MILLENNIUM FALCON - COCKPIT - GUNPORT

Kiku returns fire. Her viewport swarming with attackingcraft.

KIKUMaybe not.

16.

Her shots score a direct hit on another of the square craft,exploding it.

KIKU (CONT'D)Yes!

(into headset)Where are they coming from?

INT. MILLENNIUM FALCON - COCKPIT

Chewbacca pulls the Falcon out of its loop, which bringsinto view a large PIRATE CRUISER bearing straight down onthem.

The Wookiee snorts a curse.

EXT. SPACE - TATOOINE

The looming pirate cruiser is between the Falcon and deepspace. Below is the planet Tatooine. Behind, the pursuingfighters.

The Falcon's topside gun unleashes another volley of returnfire, blasting one of the fighters into shrapnel.

INT. MILLENNIUM FALCON - COCKPIT

Chewie is assessing the situation as the cruiser closes inon them. Kiku takes her seat in the cockpit, winded.

KIKUAre they breaking off pursuit?

She sees the cruiser.

KIKU (CONT'D)Oh. Chewie? We're going at themawfully fast. How soon until we'rein range of their guns?

Chewbacca ignores her. His furry paws working the ship'scontrols.

EXT. SPACE - TATOOINE

The Falcon breaks toward the planet's surface into a fullspeed dive.

INT. MILLENNIUM FALCON - COCKPIT

Kiku buckles herself into the copilot's seat. Tatooine loomslarger through the viewport.

KIKUOf course. Those blocks can't handlethe atmosphere. Smart.

17.

Chewbacca barks an explanation.

KIKU (CONT'D)Which is right where they wanted usto go. Interdictors. They herdedus in. Great.

Chewbacca growls unhappily.

Through the viewport, space brightens into sky.

EXT. TATOOINE - DAY

The Millennium Falcon breaks atmosphere and streaks acrossthe cloudless sky, alone.

Below is an endless expanse of scorched desert: canyons,mesas, and sand dunes.

EXT. JUNGLE PLANET -- NIGHT

A trio of glowing moons hang heavy in the night sky above anIMPERIAL GARRISON that has been carved into a seam on thejungle floor. The garrison bustles with activity; lightsand patrol craft crisscross the sky.

EXT. IMPERIAL GARRISON - SIDE ENTRANCE

Two IMPERIAL STORMTROOPERS stand guard while two more SCOUTTROOPERS are prepping their speeder bikes to go out on patrol.

COMMANDER(via comlink)

TK-eight-three-seven, check in.

STORMTROOPERRoger, Command. All clear.

The second trooper notices some movement in the underbrush.

STORMTROOPER #2Sir! At the tree line.

One of the scout troopers jumps on his speeder bike. Theothers ready their blasters.

Emerging from the jungle foliage, the hooded Darth Ikariwalks briskly toward the stormtroopers' position. The mountedscout trooper maneuvers his speeder bike to flank Ikari.

STORMTROOPERHands up!

Ikari keeps walking.

18.

IKARIAt ease, trooper. Run clearancecode one-one-three-eight-four-E-B.

STORMTROOPERStay there. Hold on.

The trooper taps his helmet comlink, calling it in. Ikariis standing with them now. Ikari takes a SCANNER from hisutility belt and passes it in front of one of thestormtroopers. The scanner BEEPS a negative. Ikari frownsat the readout.

STORMTROOPER (CONT'D)That code's defunct. You're goingto have to...

Faster than any of the stormtroopers can react, Ikari IGNITEShis red-bladed lightsaber and cuts down stormtrooper #2 andthe unmounted scout trooper with a spinning blow. The leadtrooper gets off two blaster shots. Ikari deftly deflectsboth with the blade of his lightsaber.

STORMTROOPER (CONT'D)Call it in! Call it in!

The mounted scout trooper kicks his speeder bike into gearbut only makes it a few feet before Ikari THROWS hislightsaber. The spinning blade decapitates the scout trooperbefore arcing back into Ikari's outstretched hand. Thespeeder bike spins out of control and explodes on impactwith the jungle floor.Darth Ikari GESTURES, pinning the last stormtrooper to thegarrison door with the Force. The stormtrooper's blaster isTORN out of his grip and floats into Ikari's free hand.

INT. IMPERIAL GARRISON - HALLWAY

A dozen stormtroopers take up defensive positions in thehallway, blaster rifles aimed at the inside of the garrisondoor. There's a moment of quiet. Is it a false alarm? Adrill?

The door EXPLODES inward and Darth Ikari rushes through, hislightsaber held up in a two-handed grip.

The stormtroopers open fire. Ikari is a blur, DEFLECTINGall of their shots until he's unstoppably cutting them down. The corridor is filled with smoke and fire, and the screamsof dead and dying stormtroopers.

Then there's just one stormtrooper left. He turns to runbut Ikari CALLS an abandoned blaster to his hand with theForce and shoots the fleeing stormtrooper in the back.

19.

Ikari drops the blaster and, with the red glow from hislightsaber splashing off the walls, stomps forward. Merciless.

INT. IMPERIAL GARRISON - MAIN HANGAR

Everything is burning. Wrecked. Dead. The signs of a short,violent battle are everywhere, with none left standing exceptfor Darth Ikari, who's huffing and puffing, catching hisbreath. He extinguishes his lightsaber and clips it to hisbelt.

Ikari kneels before a dead stormtrooper, takes the scanner,and passes it over the body. Another negative beep.

He stands, disappointed, and, walking out of the room, KICKSan empty stormtrooper helmet, which spins away across thedeck.

EXT. CORUSCANT - JEDI TEMPLE -- DAY

The spires of the Jedi Temple, rebuilt since the time of theEmpire, rise up from the Coruscant city skyline. Transportsand shuttle craft speed along traffic lanes in the background. The metropolis planet is still the bustling capital of thegalaxy that it was during the time of the Empire and theRepublic before it.

INT. CORUSCANT - JEDI TEMPLE - COUNCIL CHAMBERS -- DAY

LUKE SKYWALKER, fifty, with a neatly trimmed beard and aJedi Master's robes, sits alone in one of a circle of twelvechairs, meditating. The weight of the galaxy, of the JediOrder, rests on his shoulders. Behind him, tall windowsshow the city-scape stretching to the horizon.

LUKELeia... Kiku... Ben?

OBI-WAN (V.O.)Yes, Luke.

Luke's eyes open. Before him is the shimmering image of OBI-WAN KENOBI.

LUKEBen. The future eludes me. Leiaand my niece, I can no longer feelthem through the Force.

OBI-WANWhen all possibilities become cloudedyou must trust your instincts. Yourteachings. This was the lesson Qui-Gon Jinn learned when he rescuedyour father from slavery.

20.

LUKEThe Jedi who trained you before MasterYoda.

OBI-WANYes, as I in turn trained you. Thereis a shadow moving over the Force. It conceals those you love. I tooam unable to see them clearly.

Luke's brow furrows.

LUKEWhen I was a boy I would have rushedoff to rescue them.

OBI-WANAnd now?

Luke smiles at the ghostly image of his mentor.

LUKEWell, I no longer have to do all ofthe rushing alone. Do I?

Obi-Wan looks amused.

OBI-WANNo. You have accomplished more thanYoda or I could have hoped. TheJedi Order once again brings peaceto the galaxy, a peace that AnakinSkywalker shares.

LUKEI've tried to learn from all of yourlessons. And pass them on.

Luke regards the empty council chairs.

LUKE (CONT'D)There is still much to do.

OBI-WANAnd your family?

LUKEI'll help them however I can. Butthis shadow. The future. Ben, couldit be the Sith?

OBI-WANVader and the Emperor are both longgone. But the living Force presentsus with mysteries as well as guidance.

(MORE)

21.

OBI-WAN (CONT'D)Wisdom has tempered your feelings,Luke, just as it will temper youractions. You will find the cause ofthis disturbance, of that I have nodoubt.

Luke stands, straightening his robes. DARTH VADER'SLIGHTSABER hangs from Luke's belt beside his own, a reminder.

LUKEWell, Ben. I...

DEAK (O.S.)Master Skywalker?

Luke looks up. Obi-Wan is gone. Standing there is DEAKCOLL, a twenty-five year old black man wearing the uniformof a Jedi Knight. He has a smiling, intelligent face.

DEAK (CONT'D)I sensed something troubling you.

LUKEYes. It's my niece. She may begetting close to a danger greaterthan she can handle alone.

DEAKIsn't that normal for Kiku?

Luke is accustomed to Deak's sarcasm.

LUKEI'd like you to track the MillenniumFalcon and offer your assistance,should she it need.

DEAKOf course, Master. And you?

LUKEI'm going to Taanab. Leia may needsome assistance of her own.

Luke places a hand on the younger man's shoulder.

LUKE (CONT'D)Be on your guard, Deak. And may theForce be with you.

DEAKAnd with you, Master.

22.

INT. REPUBLIC CRUISER - COMMAND DECK

The cruiser's flight crew are watching the planet Taanabloom larger in the main viewscreen. Standing at parade reston the deck is CAPTAIN LACERT, thirty-five. Leia steps offan elevator onto the deck with Threepio, Artoo, and herretinue of aides and advisors in tow.

LEIACaptain Lacert.

He turns to greet her.

LACERTSenator. We're locked in orbit andyour shuttle has been prepped fortakeoff. The all-clear has comethrough from the surface as well.

LEIAExcellent. And Rogue Squadron?

WEDGE(via comlink)

We're with you, Leia. Locals allseem friendly enough.

EXT. SPACE - TAANAB

The Republic cruiser slowly orbits the planet with a squadronof X-wing fighters and a half dozen TIE Interceptors in closeformation.

INT. REPUBLIC CRUISER - COMMAND DECK

LEIAThank you, Wedge.

(to Lacert)Shall we then?

Leia gestures toward the elevator. Lacert checks his sidearm,re-holsters it.

LACERTYes, Ma'am.

Leia leads her entourage back aboard the waiting elevator. Artoo stays behind.

THREEPIO(to Artoo)

Try to stay out of trouble whilewe're gone.

Artoo whistles and spins in a circle.

23.

LEIAWell hurry up, Artoo, if you'recoming.

Artoo squeezes onto the elevator, bumping Threepio to makeroom.

LACERTOne more thing, Senator.

LEIAWhat is it?

LACERTWe've received word that GovernorSandage is waiting to greet yourshuttle personally.

Leia's brow furrows at the news. The elevator doors close.

EXT. TAANAB - CAPITAL CITY -- DAY

A metropolis of glass and steel towers reaches toward thesky, surrounded by lush green forests on three sides and avast lake stretching to the horizon. A REPUBLIC SHUTTLECRAFTweaves its way between the towers, making for a landingplatform atop the CAPITAL BUILDING.

EXT. TAANAB - CAPITAL BUILDING - LANDING PAD

Tall banners flap in the breeze, proudly displaying Imperialinsignia. Two squadrons of Imperial Stormtroopers flank thelanding pad, standing at attention. A GROUP OF IMPERIALOFFICERS AND BUREAUCRATS wait at one end of the platform. GRAND MOFF SANDAGE, Governor of Taanab, watches theshuttlecraft descend with narrowed eyes. He's a tall man,seventy, with a straight back and dour, flinty features.

The shuttlecraft lands and its boarding ramp lowers. SenatorLeia Solo descends the ramp with Captain Lacert, Artoo,Threepio, and the REPUBLIC DELEGATION.

SANDAGEWelcome, Senator. I trust yourjourney from the Core was uneventful.

Leia approaches, but Threepio cuts her off.

THREEPIOGreetings, Grand Moff Sandage. Senator Solo is pleased to make youracquaintance and is most impressedby the display of Imperial heraldry. A great honor.

LEIAThank you, Threepio.

24.

She steps between Sandage and the droid.

LEIA (CONT'D)Governor, it's not often these daysI have so many stormtroopers turnout to greet me.

SANDAGEConsider them a reminder of moreinteresting times. And for one soesteemed as yourself, my troops weredetermined to make a good firstimpression.

LEIAYou'll be sure to let them know howimpressed I am.

SANDAGEOf course.

(re: Lacert's blaster)Your security detail will not beneeded inside.

He offers Leia his elbow.

LEIAThank you, Governor. But I'm afraidCaptain Lacert will just not let meout of his sight.

Leia takes Sandage's elbow and he leads her toward the door.

LEIA (CONT'D)I'm sure you understand.

SANDAGEOf course.

Republic and Imperial official alike follow the pair intothe building in a mixed, though cautious, group past theunmoving rows of stormtroopers.

INT. TAANAB - CAPITAL BUILDING - COUNCIL CHAMBERS

Elevator doors open, admitting both delegations to the ornate,high-ceilinged chamber where Taanab's legislature wouldnormally deliberate their business. A space on the floorhas been cleared to make way for a large oval conferencetable. Sandage leads Leia by the elbow to a place at thefoot of the table.

SANDAGEYour Highness.

He then goes to the head of the table, where he is flankedby several IMPERIAL OFFICERS.

25.

The delegations break apart to their respective sides.

LEIAPlease. Senator. I haven't beenthat princess for a long time.

SANDAGESenator, then. Very well.

Leia sits, with Threepio taking position at her side. Lacertand Artoo hang back against the wall, out of the way butwith a clear view. Leia's aide hands her a computer tablet.

LEIAThank you.

She checks the tablet screen and looks up.

LEIA (CONT'D)Governor, are we all here? I see afew empty seats at your end of thetable.

SANDAGEI'm afraid that Moffs Canopus andGalley will be unable to join us inperson.

Sandage taps a control embedded in the conference table andtwo HOLOGRAMS flicker into being, occupying the empty seatsimmediately to Sandage's left and right. The images are ofMOFF CANOPUS, a portly red-faced man stuffed into his Imperialuniform, and MOFF GALLEY, a weather-beaten stump of a man.

THREEPIOGreetings, gentlemen. I am See-Threepio, human-cyborg relations,representing Senator Leia Solo ofthe Galactic Republic, whom you seebefore you. We are pleased to beginnegotiating your admission to theRepublic. All appropriate documents,codices, and materials are beingtransmitted to you...

Threepio's eyes flicker as he transmits the data.

THREEPIO (CONT'D)Now.

Threepio executes a perfect, for a droid, bow and steps backfrom the table.

LEIAGovernor. Gentlemen.

(MORE)

26.

LEIA (CONT'D)I'd like to say on behalf of theRepublic, that Taanab is morebeautiful than I'd heard. It remindsme very much of the home where Igrew up. We're also grateful foryour petition to join us.

GALLEYYes, yes. We know which way thewind is blowing, Solo. Republicsystems outnumber the Empire four toone.

CANOPUSAnd you've been expanding intoImperial space faster every year,practically to our doorstep.

LEIAThe tide of history. We're re-establishing the borders of the OldRepublic and, with it, the freedomsthat all our people once enjoyed. And, with hard work, will again.

SANDAGEMy colleagues have expressed certainconcerns, Senator.

LEIARest assured, we want this transitionto be as smooth and peaceful aspossible. The Republic serves atthe will of the people. Duly electedofficials will represent Taanab inthe senate.

GALLEYAnd what of us?

SANDAGETaanab is in a unique position,Senator. While I represent the planetTaanab itself, my colleagues havenot unsubstantial interests on ourtwin moons, over which they havefull control.

LEIAWell, any independent forces wouldneed to be unified in order for usto bring in the system as a whole. Local power structures can remain,for the most part, unchanged.

(MORE)

27.

LEIA (CONT'D)Although, the Republic must insistthat any standing military forces betransitioned over to our...

CANOPUSThat won't do. I'm not going toleave myself open to...

With a tap, Sandage mutes the holograms.

SANDAGEI'm afraid, Senator, that youmisunderstand the power structurehere.

LEIAGovernor?

SANDAGEI'm willing to serve up Taanab toyour Republic, with myself asgovernor, but in return I have a fewconditions.

Canopus and Galley react angrily. They can hear Sandage butare still muted, their protests unheard.

SANDAGE (CONT'D)Taanab and her moons are too equal. Too balanced. Call it a truce ofinertia. You're here to break thattruce.

Sandage switches off the holographic projections.SANDAGE (CONT'D)

Use the might of the Republic toeliminate my competition and I'llhappily give you Taanab.

Leia stands, aghast.

LEIAGovernor, you misunderstand theRepublic if you think there's anyway...

Sandage signals with his hand and two dozen stormtroopersburst into the chamber, blocking all exits.

Lacert pulls his blaster, an impressive quick draw, but twostormtroopers have the drop on him. Lacert surrenders hisweapon and the stormtroopers also take his comlink.

Artoo whistles long and low.

28.

THREEPIOOh, my.

Leia sits back down slowly. Stormtroopers descend on theRepublic delegation.

SANDAGEIt's simple, Senator. Order yourmen to kill those two oafs, seizethe moons, and turn control over tome. Once Taanab is mine, it willthen belong to the Republic, andyou'll be free to go. And Senator?

Stormtroopers level their blasters at Leia.

SANDAGE (CONT'D)Quickly.

EXT. SPACE - TAANAB

An IMPERIAL STAR DESTROYER orbits high above one of Taanab'smoons. TIE Interceptors pour out of the docking bay on theship's belly.

INT. ROGUE SIX'S X-WING FIGHTER - COCKPIT

Rogue Six's X-wing is pointed right at the distant StarDestroyer.

ROGUE SIXRogue Leader, are you seeing whatI'm seeing?

INT. WEDGE'S X-WING FIGHTER - COCKPIT

Wedge turns his head, checking behind him on both sides.

WEDGEI see it, Six. And it looks likewe've got more company incoming.

EXT. SPACE - TAANAB

Another angle of the system shows two more Star Destroyerscoming around the planet, circling into position.

INT. WEDGE'S X-WING FIGHTER - COCKPIT

WEDGESomething's happening dirt side.

Wedge activates his comlink.

WEDGE (CONT'D)Command, are you seeing what we'reseeing out here?

29.

The comlink cuts out, the signal squelched with STATIC.

INTERCUT THROUGH THE COCKPITS OF ROGUE SQUADRON.

Wedge's pilots all react to the interference static.

Wedge soaks in the situation.

WEDGE (CONT'D)I've got a bad feeling about this.

INT. CORUSCANT - JEDI TEMPLE - HANGAR BAY

Luke and Deak walk across the hangar deck toward a waitingline of freshly painted A-WING STARFIGHTERS.

Luke puts a hand on his apprentice's shoulder.

LUKEDeak. Here.

Luke hands Deak a small data chip.

LUKE (CONT'D)Han has a hidden tracer on the Falcon. You should be able to locate herwith this.

DEAKThe old man's a bit paranoid.

LUKEMaybe not as reckless as he oncewas, but he's always been protectiveof that ship.

Deak pockets the data chip.

DEAKI'll find them, Master.

Both Jedi turn and walk on. With a nod, they climb aboardtheir ships.

INT. DEAK'S COCKPIT

Deak settles into the cockpit before watching Luke's shiptake off.

DEAKI can't wait to hear this one, Kiku.

INT. CORUSCANT - JEDI TEMPLE - HANGAR BAY

Deak's ship lifts off...

30.

EXT. CORUSCANT - JEDI TEMPLE

And flies out of the Jedi Temple.

EXT. TATOOINE - ARROYO -- DAY

A blowing SANDSTORM buffets the Millennium Falcon, whichsits at the bottom of an ancient creek bed.

INT. MILLENNIUM FALCON - HOLD

Two crates of survival gear have been pulled out of storageand are sitting open on the deck. Chewbacca is finishing upa previous repair job. Kiku sits, listening to the distresscall again.

VOICE...to all ships within range. Weare under siege...

She clicks off the recording.

KIKUHow was I supposed to know we'd dropout of light speed right on top ofthem?

Chewbacca snorts derisively. She ignores him, reading froman instrument panel.

KIKU (CONT'D)Mos Eisley? It's not far from here.

Chewbacca barks a lengthy complaint.

KIKU (CONT'D)Well, I'm going anyway. Unless youthink you can sit on me until thisstorm subsides.

Chewbacca likes this idea.

Kiku retrieves a PONCHO, GOGGLES, and SURVIVAL PACK from thecrates.

KIKU (CONT'D)Good luck trying, fur ball.

She tosses a pair of goggles to the Wookiee with a grin.

KIKU (CONT'D)Come on. The Force is our ally. What could go wrong?

Chewbacca barks his way through a list of all the negativepossibilities, picking up his crossbow and following Kiku tothe Falcon's boarding ramp.

31.

EXT. TATOOINE - ARROYO

Kiku and Chewbacca, in goggles and gear, trudge through thesandstorm away from the ship. She pulls the poncho's hoodover her face to keep out the sand.

EXT. TATOOINE - MOS EISLEY -- AFTERNOON

Tatooine's twin suns shine down on the city of Mos Eisley, asprawling network of sandstone towers and domes built outwardfrom the central spaceport. But what would normally be abustling center of trade and commerce is deserted. Thestreets are empty, with no signs of people or traffic.

EXT. TATOOINE - MOS EISLEY - STREET

Kiku and Chewbacca walk from street to street until theycome to a familiar CANTINA, which has been sandblasted bytime.

Chewbacca barks.

KIKUI have no idea. Underground maybe? They couldn't have abandoned thewhole city.

Chewbacca bangs on the door but it's locked up tight.

EXT. TATOOINE - MOS EISLEY - MARKETPLACE

The pair pass through the city's bazaar, which has beenabandoned. Storefronts, shops, tents, and booths all standempty. What should be bustling with activity is insteadcovered with layer of sand, freshly deposited by the storm.

KIKUThis is eerie.

EXT. TATOOINE - MOS EISLEY - BACK ALLEY

Kiku and Chewbacca round a corner into a narrow, twistingalley lined with shadowed doorways. A female CLOAKED FIGUREpeers down at them from an upper deck.

CLOAKED FIGUREYou there, with the Wookiee! Areyou trying to get yourselves killed?

KIKUWe followed the distress call. Whereis everyone?

CLOAKED FIGUREDistress call? Oh, for all theMakers...

32.

The cloaked figure ponders them for a moment, deciding ifthey're dangerous or simply fools, before thumbing a remote.

CLOAKED FIGURE (CONT'D)Quickly. I've unlocked the backdoor. Get inside before someonesees us.

The cloaked figure disappears from the edge of the deck. Kiku draws her blaster and cautiously goes through theunlocked door, with Chewbacca behind her.

INT. TATOOINE - MOS EISLEY - FIXER'S GARAGE

The garage is cluttered with droid parts and disassembledspeeder bikes. An ancient landspeeder sits in a repair bay. But the place is swept clean and free of neglect. A doorleads to the front of the shop and a stairwell to the upperfloors. The alien FIXER, a leathery, four armed BESALISK,eyes Kiku and Chewbacca with suspicion.

FIXERHey now! Who are you?

(re: Chewie)And what is that?

Coming down the stairwell from outside is ZAVOS, a statuesqueTWI'LEK with purple skin. An old scar marks where one ofher head tails is missing. Under the cloak she wears anarmored spacesuit and has two blasters slung low on her hips.

ZAVOSHave you never seen a Wookiee, Fixer?

FIXEROnly in stories. There used to beso many. Before the Empire.

Zavos drops her cloak over a workbench. Kiku holsters herblaster.

ZAVOSI'm Zavos and this is Fixer. Theway you two were wandering aroundout there with your noses open, itmust be safe to assume you aren'twith them.

Fixer creeps up on Chewbacca, fascinated, as the big Wookieeshakes the sand out of his fur.

FIXERThe bandits. Mercenaries.

Chewbacca growls and Fixer backs off.

33.

KIKUWe heard the distress call and cameto offer our help but when our shipdropped out of hyperspace we wererun to ground. They have interdictorsin orbit.

ZAVOSThen the news just keeps gettingbetter, doesn't it? At least youlanded in one piece. I got shotdown trying to leave this dust balland brought my partner to Fixer'sshop here for repairs.

KIKUPartner?

The exploded remains of a COMBAT DROID are spread out on oneof the workbenches.

FIXERYeah. She's a bounty hunter, thisone. Good to have around in a pinch,'specially these days.

(to Zavos)When she's not getting shot down.

Zavos ignores the jibe.ZAVOS

Fixer's letting me hole up here untilI figure out a way off planet. Thiswhole place is circling the drainand you can bet Mos Eisley is next. With the storm over, anyone who showstheir head above sand is getting itshot off.

FIXERHeard they've started going house-to-house in some of the othersettlements. Mos Shuuta's been burnedto a cinder.

ZAVOSBut tell me, girl-with-a-Wookiee, doyou make a habit of chasing distresscalls?

KIKUI'm Kiku Solo, Jedi Knight. Andthis is Chewbacca. We're here torescue you.

Fixer and Zavos can't conceal their laughter.

34.

ZAVOS(chuckling)

That's great. That's just... perfect.FIXER

What a relief. We're saved!

EXT. SPACE - TAANAB

Imperial Star Destroyers hold position orbiting the planetand it's moons. TIE Interceptors are everywhere, flittingback and forth, practically daring someone to shoot first.

Luke's A-wing starfighter darts through the system.

INT. LUKE'S COCKPIT

Luke takes in the situation.

LUKEThis doesn't look like a normal negotiation. Leia, where are you?

Wedge's X-wing flies into Luke's field of view.

LUKE (CONT'D)Wedge?

The X-wing flashes its landing lights and waggles its s-foilsbefore peeling off.

LUKE (CONT'D)I got you, buddy.

EXT. SPACE - TAANAB

Luke's ship circles around and follows the X-wing to wherethe Republic cruiser orbits the planet, unmolested by theImperial ships.

Both starfighters dock with the larger cruiser.

INT. REPUBLIC CRUISER - COMMAND DECK

Luke, the cruiser's COMMAND CREW, and a dozen PILOTS arebeing debriefed by Wedge.

WEDGESo, the Imps dirt side say they'regoing to hold Senator Solo until wecall in enough Republic ships toupend the balance. As it stands, ifone side opens fire the other twowill gang up on 'em.

35.

LUKEAnd we're caught in the middle withLeia as leverage?

ROGUE TWOMy fun meter is pegged, Leader.

WEDGEStow that, Two.

(to Luke)We're glad to see you, Luke. But Idon't see how one cruiser and a singlesquadron of fighters can make adifference here.

LUKEThe Republic's not going to wadeinto an internal Imperial fight. We're inviting these systems to joinus, not conquering them.

Luke scratches his beard, puzzling it over.

LUKE (CONT'D)What about Leia?

WEDGEAll local communications within thesystem are being jammed. We can'tcall down to the surface and thoseStar Destroyers and squints won'tlet us leave.

LUKEWedge, I want you to keep your pilotsout of danger. I'm going to go downto the surface and see about rescuingthem from my sister.

EXT. TAANAB - CAPITAL BUILDING - LANDING PAD -- DAY

Luke's starfighter has landed next to Leia's shuttle. TheJedi climbs out and approaches two stormtroopers who'reguarding the entrance to the capital building. The guardsraise their blaster rifles.

STORMTROOPERHalt!

Luke's voice is even and soothing.

LUKEYou won't need those.

STORMTROOPERWe won't need these.

36.

The guards lower their blasters.

LUKEWhy don't you take me to SenatorSolo?

STORMTROOPERWe'll take you to Senator Solo.

One of the stormtroopers holds the door open for Luke andthey follow him into the building.

INT. TAANAB - CAPITAL BUILDING - ELEVATOR

The two stormtroopers stand behind Luke, as the elevatordescends.

Luke yawns. The stormtroopers yawn and stretch, then collapseto the floor, asleep.

Luke patiently watches the floor numbers count down.

INT. TAANAB - CAPITAL BUILDING - COUNCIL CHAMBERS

The Republic delegation, including Lacert and the droids,has been relegated to the legislative back benches, wherethey're circled by a squad of stormtroopers. Additionalstormtroopers block all of the exits.

Leia sits fuming in her seat at the conference table.

The only person in the room not on edge is Moff Sandage, whois casually reviewing a computerized report that's been handedto him by a waiting IMPERIAL OFFICER.

SANDAGEExcellent. Canopus won't tell hisships to fire unless fired upon. Galley's nerve might crack, but notyet.

He hands the report back to the officer.

SANDAGE (CONT'D)Let me know the moment any of theirDestroyers break formation.

OFFICERYes, Sir.

The officer delivers a crisp salute and leaves.

SANDAGEWhich is where you come in, Senator.

37.

LEIAYou can't expect us to cooperate,Governor.

SANDAGEBut you will. My forces are notenough to break both Galley andCanopus should they unite, but neitherwill they fire on me, for now. Restassured though, my navy is keepingclose tabs on your ships in orbit. We'll keep them perfectly safe. Fornow.

LEIAHostages? You must surely realizethat the Republic...

Sandage pounds his fist onto the table.

SANDAGEYour Republic will not risk losingout on such a key system. Controlof Taanab will give the Republic control over the rest of this sector. Neither will they risk losing one ofthe famed heroes of the Rebellion. No, Senator. They will send shipshere. They will help me dispose ofthose two fools. And then, afteryour Republic has given me everythingI want, I'll consider returning youto your ship and allowing your peopleto leave the system.

LEIAYou're deluded, Governor. The daysof open war between the Republic andthe Empire are in the past. TheSenate will never vote to interferewith your internal disputes.

SANDAGEBut they will. You will see to it.

LEIANo, Governor. But what they will dois send a rescue mission to liberateanyone being held here against theirwill. And it's unlikely that MoffsGalley and Canopus will allow you toremain in office after the Republicleaves with her people.

SANDAGESenator. You don't understand.

38.

Sandage slides a long range COMMUNICATOR across the table toLeia.

SANDAGE (CONT'D)Call in your people. I want you to. We shall see what happens when moreRepublic ships enter the system. And to motivate you...

Sandage signals and a stormtrooper drags a REPUBLIC DELEGATEto the floor and takes aim.

LEIANo!

Lacert steps forward but is stopped by the point of a blasterin his chest.

Artoo whistles low.

SANDAGEThen call in your reinforcements. Or I will make sure that you, Senator,will be the last one left of yourdelegation.

Leia picks up the communicator and activates it. As she'sabout to speak...

The elevator DINGS and its doors slide open.

Luke steps off the elevator, leaving the two unconsciousstormtroopers behind.

LEIALuke?

THREEPIOMaster Luke! We're saved!

Artoo beeps and whistles.

LUKEHello, Leia. Have I missed thenegotiations?

SANDAGEAh, Skywalker. The Jedi. You'renot unexpected.

(to stormtroopers)Guards, please relieve MasterSkywalker of his weapon.

Luke pulls his lightsaber. The green blade snaps into life.

LEIALuke, no.

39.

Luke takes in the situation. There are two dozenstormtroopers scattered around the room, plus another squadholding the hostages at gunpoint. He's too outnumbered totake them all on, not without civilian casualties.

Leia gives Luke a look; they communicate silently.

And Luke shuts down his lightsaber and hands it over to oneof the stormtroopers.

SANDAGEPlease, Skywalker. Join us. Oh,and the other one too.

Luke reluctantly hands over Vader's lightsaber as well andwalks down to the conference table.

SANDAGE (CONT'D)Thank you. We were just discussingmy eagerness to help the Republicannex Taanab.

(to Leia)Senator, I believe you were about tomake that call?

Leia glares daggers at the Governor but she picks up thecommunicator.

EXT. TATOOINE - ARROYO -- DAY

Deak's starfighter lands near the Millennium Falcon.

The young Jedi climbs out. The cockpit hatch closes afterhim.

EXT. TATOOINE - DESERT

Deak is trudging along, with the glare of the suns in hiseyes. He stops and looks around at the wide open, hot nothingof sand and rocks.

DEAKSo this is where Master Skywalkergrew up. It's no wonder he's sodry.

INT. TATOOINE - MOS EISLEY - FIXER'S GARAGE

Chewbacca is tinkering with a piece of the blasted up combatdroid but it's clearly beyond repair. Fixer hands Kiku andZavos each a mug. Zavos sips from hers.

ZAVOSThere are fewer Jedi around thanthere are Wookiees.

40.

KIKUEveryone I know seems to be one orthe other.

ZAVOSMaybe. And maybe you are a JediKnight. If so, I can think of a fewof the locals who'll be interestedto meet you.

Kiku is barely listening to the bounty hunter. She'sconcentrating intently on...

FIXERZavos!

Zavos turns around. Behind her, the landspeeder is FLOATINGseveral feet above the repair bay floor, held in the grip ofthe Force. It slowly ROTATES, upside down then rightsideup, before Kiku lowers it back down.

Zavos and Fixer marvel at the young Jedi. Kiku, pleasedwith herself, sips from her mug.

KIKUSmall stuff takes fine control. Bigthings are actually easier. Boulders. Cargo crates. Speeders.

Chewbacca laughs, a Wookiee chuckle.

FIXER(believing it now)

Jedi.

ZAVOSOh, they're definitely going to wantto meet you. And we should get going. That sandstorm might have groundedthe pirates for a while, but I don'twant to be here when they start takingthis city apart.

Zavos sets down her mug. Chewie gathers his crossbow.

KIKUWe're ready.

The three of them head for the back door. Fixer stays put.

FIXERGood luck!

EXT. TATOOINE - MOS EISLEY - BACK ALLEY

Chewie and Kiku follow the bounty hunter through the alley. They're being cautious, but moving quickly.

41.

EXT. TATOOINE - MOS EISLEY - STREET

The three are crossing towards the city center. The WHINEof speeder bike engines can be heard getting louder andlouder.

Chewbacca growls.

ZAVOSSpeeder bikes. A lot of them andthey're getting closer.

KIKU(re: Chewie)

That's what he said.

ZAVOSIt's a safe bet that we won't wantto be wherever they're going.

EXT. TATOOINE - MOS EISLEY - STREET

They come around a corner, running now. At the end of thestreet, the control towers of the spaceport are visible overthe tops of the buildings.

A couple blocks down, Deak cuts across the street, chased bya half dozen BIKERS, heavily armed and wearing scavenged,mismatched uniforms, on customized SPEEDER BIKES.

ZAVOSThis way!

Zavos pulls Kiku by the arm into an alley.

KIKUDeak?

EXT. TATOOINE - MOS EISLEY - MARKETPLACE

They cut through the alley to a wide open bazaar. Storefronts and merchant tents are being opened for business, asthe citizenry gamely tries to go about their business. Nomadsand alien creatures trudge about, work to be done. Butthere's an oppressive air. It's a city under siege. A pairof squabbling JAWAS push past the trio.

KIKUDon't they realize the danger they'reall in?

ZAVOSOh, I'm sure they do. It's sad howgreed will trump self-preservation. Seems to be a universal truth.

Zavos scans the bazaar, looking...

42.

ZAVOS (CONT'D)But then I'd have to find anotherline of work if it didn't. Do yousee any sign of them?

At which point Deak COLLIDES full speed with Zavos, knockingthem both to the ground.

KIKUDeak? Deak Coll?

Zavos curses in Huttese.

ZAVOSE chu ta! You know this hotshuhbukee?

Deak dusts himself off. Zavos notices the robes.

ZAVOS (CONT'D)Another Jedi?

KIKUDid Uncle Luke send you after me?

DEAKMaybe we can talk later?

KIKUI don't need...

A LASER BLAST narrowly misses them.

The biker gang roars into the bazaar, laser cannons firing. People SCATTER, running for their lives and ducking for cover. Lasers destroy a droid and kill one of the Jawas.

Kiku and Deak ignite their lightsabers and deflect the shots.

KIKU (CONT'D)Friends of yours?

Chewie and Zavos return fire.

The speeder bikes fly past.

ZAVOSThey're coming around for anotherpass! We have to move!

Chewbacca howls in disagreement, kicks over some crates, andtakes a defensive position.

DEAKI already tried outrunning them!

43.

KIKUWe need to stop them!

ZAVOSYou Jedi are a pain. You know that?

Zavos takes cover next to Chewie.

The mercenaries have circled around and are bearing down onthem, shooting wildly.

Kiku snaps off a couple return shots with her blaster,holsters it, and grips her lightsaber with both hands.

Chewie SHOOTS one of the speeder bikes, which CAREENS into awall and explodes.

The bikers are CLOSING IN.

Deak and Kiku deflect more laser fire.

Zavos and Chewie shoot down another of the bikes.

Deak uses the Force to PULL the tarp off of a merchant boothand FLING it over one of the oncoming bikers. The bike andrider careen into the dirt, CRASHING through several boothsand into a storefront.

As the bikers swoop past them, Deak LEAPS UP into the airand LANDS on the back of a helmetless biker's speeder.

HELMETLESS BIKERHey!

Deak and the helmetless biker struggle for control as thebike FLIES AWAY wildly.

The other three bikers swing around for another pass.

They swoop by, lasers firing at the trio. Zavos turns andfires as they pass. Her shots connect and a bike EXPLODESinto a shower of smoking wreckage.

ZAVOSKarking schutta!

AT THE FAR END OF THE BAZAAR, Deak KICKS the biker off ofhis bike.

The biker SAILS into a wall with a CRUNCH.

DEAKWear a helmet next time!

He struggles to gain control of the speeding machine, narrowlymissing a building.

44.

EXT. TATOOINE - MOS EISLEY - MARKETPLACE -- CONTINUOUS

Kiku steps out into the center of the bazaar.

The last two bikers are bearing down on her at full speed,their laser cannons firing.

Kiku deflects the blasts.

The bikes are closing in. Firing.

Kiku deflects the shots, concentrating.

Closer still.

Kiku raises her hand and CLOSES IT INTO A FIST.

And the bikes SLAM into each other in mid-air. The tangledspeeder bikes SPIN out of control and crash into a building.

Kiku looks at Zavos.

KIKUBoulders. Cargo crates.

Chewbacca howls impatiently as Deak pulls up in the stolenspeeder bike.

ZAVOSGreat. We should get moving beforereinforcements show.

DEAKCan I come with you? These tourguides are terrible.

INT. TATOOINE - MOS EISLEY - BASEMENT MEETING HALL

The two Jedi and the Wookiee follow Zavos down into a cavernous sandstone basement. The vaulted space is crowdedwith a galactic variety of aliens, robots, and humans, bothfamiliar and strange. Grubby, dirt poor creatures are sideby side with the city elite in their finery. All the peopleof Mos Eisley are represented.

A corpulent human, the MAYOR, holds court in the middle ofthe underground room.

MAYORI assure you all, we are aware ofthe situation and are doing everythingto ensure your safety. We're in nodanger here. This is a temporarystate of emergency. These banditswill assuredly move on once theyfind there's nothing for them here.

45.

The mayor is drowned out by the CATCALLS and BOOS.

MAYOR (CONT'D)The reports from Mos Espa and MosSchutta have been greatly exaggerated.

ZAVOSWhich sounds like someone's alreadymade a deal.

At the bottom of the steps, Kiku stops Zavos.

KIKUYou realize that you're the mosthelpful bounty hunter ever?

Zavos brushes it off, playing tough.

ZAVOSA job is a job. I get that. Butyou saw them out there. Take a lookaround you.

The people in the basement are refugees in their own city.

ZAVOS (CONT'D)Terrorizing these people isn't honestwork. Plus, I'm stuck here. Thatscum owe me a ship and they owe mefor my partner. This way.

She leads the others around the edge of the room. Deak andKiku suddenly stop, simultaneously.

DEAKSolo, do you sense...

KIKUAnother Jedi.

Hands grab Deak from behind. The two Jedi turn around, andare taken aback by the sight of BOWMAN THO, the sixteen yearold boy who grabbed Deak. The boy is dressed in an urchin'srags but has a SCAVENGED LIGHTSABER hanging from his belt.

BOWMANOh wow! Oh wow! Jedi Knights! Wait'll I tell Shiro Te!

Kiku and Deak take in the boy's appearance before what hesaid clicks.

KIKUMaster Shiro Te is here?

46.

DEAKIs that possible? No one's seen orheard from him in years.

The boy beckons them to follow.

BOWMANThis way. Come on.

Kiku looks for Chewbacca and Zavos, who are talking to someof the locals. Chewie sees Kiku and gives her a go-aheadnod. She turns to catch up to Deak and the boy.

Bowman leads the Jedi through the crowded room to an alcoveon the far side of the basement hall.

Quietly observing the room is SHIRO TE, a lean, rough-skinnedalien in farmer's robes and wide brimmed hat. He could bethirty or a hundred.

DEAKMaster Shiro Te?

The alien takes in the two Jedi and the boy with a sad, resigned look.

SHIRO TESo, it's Solo and Coll who've come. And I see you've met young Bowman.

BOWMANI caught them on their way in. RealJedi Knights here on Tatooine.

KIKU(re: Bowman)

Master, this couldn't be...?

SHIRO TE(to Bowman)

Relax, boy.(to the Jedi)

No. You know I left the Orderafter...

The unspoken loss briefly hangs over the alien before hecontinues.

SHIRO TE (CONT'D)No. Bowman is a fine lad but he isnot a learner, just as I am no longera Master. That is in the past.

Shiro Te forces a smile.

47.

SHIRO TE (CONT'D)I wandered here some time ago, tolearn more about the Jedi'sconnections to this planet, but Itake it you two have been drawn hereby the conflict. Do you seek tohelp these people?

The alien takes in Deak's Jedi uniform.

SHIRO TE (CONT'D)I see you are a Knight now. Congratulations. And you, Solo. The Force flows through you both.

DEAKSolo threw herself into this conflict. Master Skywalker sent me to keep herfrom making things worse.

But Kiku isn't listening. She notices Chewbacca trying toget her attention on the far side of the crowd.

KIKUChewie wants us.

SHIRO TEGo, there will be time later.

Kiku leaves to see what Chewbacca wants but Deak stops Bowmanfrom following them.

DEAKHold on, kid. I don't sense theForce in you at all. Why don't youtell me where you got that lightsaber?

BOWMANI scavenged it. Parts here, partsthere. Most of it was in a junkshop. But there's no power cell. Ipromised Shiro Te.

DEAKA groupie. Perfect.

Kiku pushes through the crowd toward Zavos and Chewbacca.

Watching her is a MAG REIDA, sixty, well muscled, with asquare jaw and plenty of old scars. A retired soldier, helooks like he could be related to Jango Fett.

Kiku spots him watching her. He acknowledges the young Jediwith a nod.

Whoever he is can wait, as Kiku catches up to Chewie and thebounty hunter.

48.

Chewbacca grumbles though a piece of lengthy exposition beforeZavos interrupts.

ZAVOS(re: Shiro Te & Bowman)

Friends of yours?

KIKUOne is, or was, a Jedi trained by myuncle, but he left the Order someyears ago. Luke said Master ShiroTe went into seclusion. I guess nowwe know where.

ZAVOSGreat. We can use all the help wecan get. Those bikers will havefriends here soon. A lot of friends. There's an encampment forming on theridge outside of town. A big one.

Deak joins the others in time to hear the news.ZAVOS (CONT'D)

We're about to be rolled over.

Kiku absorbs this as she takes in the frightened people aroundthem.

ZAVOS (CONT'D)So, if you have a fast enough ship,now might be a good time to make abreak for it.

KIKUWe have to help them.

ZAVOSNow might be a good time to make abreak for it.

EXT. TATOOINE - WASTELAND

A large MERCENARY ENCAMPMENT has formed atop a bluffoverlooking Mos Eisley. Speeder bikes, Landspeeders, andlarger ATTACK CRAFT circle a haphazard collection of TENTSand TEMPORARY SHELTERS. In the middle is a large CENTRALTENT. The encampment buzzes with activity. HARDENEDCRIMINALS and HIRED GUNS are gathering for an assault on thetown.

INT. TAANAB - CAPITAL BUILDING - COUNCIL CHAMBERS

Imperial stormtroopers are standing guard over the Republicdelegation, while Leia and Luke face down Governor Sandage.

Leia still holds the long range communicator.

49.

LEIAWe should bring in the others for afull negotiation. Surely, MoffsGalley and Canopus cannot wantbloodshed any more than you do.

SANDAGEWe're long past that Senator. I'vetolerated sharing power with thosebureaucrats, those simpletons, fortoo long. The people of Taanab longto be unified under strong, unwaveringleadership.

LUKEAnd you've chosen yourself to be theone who leads them? You're leadingthem into war.

Leia toys with the communicator, listening to them.

SANDAGEConflict creates strength, Jedi. The Empire is weak. It is dying. You saw to that long ago. I mean topreserve what I can, even if it mustbe under your umbrella.

LUKEYou're mistaken. Rule throughoppression and fear is destined tofail. Even if you were to keep ushere forever, the Republic will neverrecognize your legitimacy. And thepeople of Taanab will not fight eachother to keep you in power.

Sandage scoffs at Luke.

SANDAGEThe people of Taanab have been loyalsubjects of the Empire for fiftyyears. They yearn to be controlled,and they will do as they're told. Once I've consolidated power, nonewill dare challenge me.

She comes to a decision.

LEIADrop the jamming, Governor. I'llcall the Republic.

A thin smile spreads across his face.

SANDAGEThat's all I ask, Senator.

50.

Sandage deactivates a control on the panel embedded in thetable. Leia begins keying a message into the communicator.

Across the room, Artoo subtly lights up. Message received.

LEIA(into comm)

Wedge, this is Leia.

WEDGE(via comlink)

Solo? How did you break through thesignal jamming?

LEIALater. I need you to set up a long-range relay and transmit this to theSenate.

She begins to dictate a message into the communicator.

LEIA (CONT'D)This is Senator Leia Solo speakingon behalf of the Republic delegationto Taanab. We are being held hostageas part of an internal power play...

Over where the hostages are sitting, Artoo bumps intoThreepio.

THREEPIOWatch it, you blundering tin can!

Artoo whistles at Threepio excitedly.

THREEPIO (CONT'D)I most certainly will not! Keep itdown before you get us into moretrouble.

A stormtrooper takes notice.

STORMTROOPERYou there. Quiet.

Artoo beeps up and down the scale at Threepio and then turnsand bumps into Captain Lacert.

THREEPIOBe quiet!

(to Stormtroopers)I'm so sorry. My counterpart mustbe shortcircuiting. The olderastromechs are impossible.

Artoo bumps into Lacert again, who gets to his feet.

51.

LACERT(to Stormtrooper)

I think he's late for an appointment.

Down by the conference table, Sandage notices the commotion.

SANDAGESergeant, is there a problem?

STORMTROOPER SERGEANTNo, Sir.

One of the guards puts his hand on Lacert's shoulder.

STORMTROOPER GUARDGet back down.

Artoo whistles and bumps into Lacert again, who's gettingannoyed.

LACERT(to Artoo)

Would you...

Lacert turns and punches out the guard.

LACERT (CONT'D)(to guard)

Back off?

Lacert turns around, looking for another guard to take aswing at. Artoo is behind him, whistling and beepingencouragement.

THREEPIOOh no! Captain, please sit backdown!

Before Lacert can do anything else the butt of a blasterrifle knocks him down from behind. Two stormtroopers grabhis arms and haul him to his feet.

Sandage raises an eyebrow in Leia's direction. She's deadpan.

SANDAGEI cannot allow another disruption,you understand. This is a peacefulnegotiation.

(to stormtrooper)Sergeant, throw them off the roof.

Four stormtroopers drag Lacert and the droids away.

THREEPIOWe're doomed!

52.

Luke is about to jump in but Leia stops him with a look thatsays she has the situation under control.

LUKEI hope you know what you're doing.

Sandage is exasperated.

SANDAGEI tire of these games, Senator.

EXT. SPACE

An unmarked, matte black SPACESHIP, with the taloned, angularprofile of a folded-up predator, streaks through space.

INT. IKARI'S SPACESHIP

Lights and readouts from the control panels are reflected inDarth Ikari's helmet faceplate as he pilots the ship towardits destination.

INT. TATOOINE - MOS EISLEY - BASEMENT MEETING HALL

The meeting is breaking up. The citizens of Mos Eisleyshuffle out of the basement, clear that nothing's beenresolved. The room is thick with despair.

Over in Shiro Te's alcove, the Jedi and their companionsdiscuss their options. Bowman Tho lingers close by,eavesdropping.

ZAVOSI'm telling you, we should get scarce. There's no way we can protect everyonehere, not for long and not withoutrisking our own skins.

Chewbacca grumbles.

ZAVOS (CONT'D)See? The big guy agrees with me.

Chewbacca barks again.

KIKUNo, he doesn't. Deak, how did youget past the interdictors?

DEAKThey didn't seem interested in me atall. But then, I didn't hit any ofthem when I jumped into the system.

Kiku gives him a dirty look.

53.

KIKUThat wasn't my fault.

DEAKThey were oriented toward keepingany ships from leaving, at leastthat's how it looked.

ZAVOS(agreeing)

Which scans. So?

Shiro Te watches them debate.

SHIRO TESo, how are you going to protect anentire city?

DEAKWe're too outnumbered. If we stayand fight, I can feel it. Noteveryone will survive.

Zavos nods in agreement.

KIKUThen we have to get these people tosafety.

DEAKDo you want to tell them all or shouldI?

KIKULet's wait until we have a betterplan than hauling them all out onthe Falcon a dozen at a time.

BOWMANI know where there's a ship.

They all look at him.

BOWMAN (CONT'D)The spaceport. There's a passengertransport that's been impounded therefor some time. She might still fly.

Kiku and Deak trade looks.

DEAKIt's worth a shot.

ZAVOSYou're crazy to try.

(MORE)

54.

ZAVOS (CONT'D)I've been dodging port authoritiesand outrunning the law for a longtime and they shot me down withoutbreaking a sweat.

KIKUWhat other choice do we have?

ZAVOSWe run. Us.

The others ignore Zavos.

BOWMANI'll show you the way but you haveto let me come with you.

DEAKYou show us, but you stay back ifthere's trouble.

BOWMANSure thing. Got it.

Kiku turns to Shiro Te.

KIKUMaster, will you come with us? Wecould use you.

Shiro Te hesitates.

SHIRO TEI... I cannot.

ZAVOSWell if I can't talk you out of it,I might as well see some action. Beats standing around. But if we'regoing we should go. It'll be darksoon.

Chewbacca barks agreeably.

Kiku and Deak spare a moment for Shiro Te but he's far away,lost in thought.

They exit, leaving the former Jedi behind.

EXT. TATOOINE - MOS EISLEY - STREET

The group exits the underground meeting hall onto the street. Watching them from the shadows is Mag Reida.

BOWMANThe spaceport's this way.

55.

ZAVOSWe can see the control towers fromhere, kid. Just show us where thisship is, okay?

KIKU(to Deak)

What do you think happened to MasterShiro Te?

DEAKHe's still holding himself responsiblefor the death of his apprentice. Could you feel how closed off he wasto the Force?

KIKUYes.

Mag steps out of the shadows.

MAGJedi.

As one, Kiku and Deak ignite their lightsabers and Zavosdraws her blaster as they all turn toward the voice.

MAG (CONT'D)I thought so.

Mag walks toward them calmly, his hands raised.

KIKUYou were inside. Who are you?

MAGReida, Mag Reida. If you're here todo something about the raiders, I'dlike to help.

ZAVOSHe stinks of the Empire.

DEAKThat right?

Mag hesitates.

MAGI used to serve the Empire with thefive hundred and first. But I'mjust a retired soldier now.

Deak closes his eyes, concentrating, as Kiku scrutinizes thestranger. After a beat they both shut down their lightsabers.

56.

ZAVOSWhat? You believe him?

DEAKThere's no deceit here.

Kiku takes a comlink from her belt.

KIKUHere. We have an errand to run. After, we'll contact you on this.

She tosses it to Mag.

MAGThanks.

DEAKThank us after we deal with thehundreds of marauding bandits.

Mag watches them go before pocketing the comlink and headingoff in the opposite direction.

EXT. TATOOINE - MOS EISLEY - SPACEPORT

The city's spaceport consists of two large control towersand a half dozen service buildings in the center of ahoneycomb of docking bays, all open to the sky.

EXT. TATOOINE - MOS EISLEY - DOCKING BAY

Bowman leads the others to one of the docking bays. He triesthe door.

BOWMANThis is it, but it's locked.

Deak sizes up the height of the docking bay walls.

DEAK(to Kiku)

Jump?

KIKUThat's too high for you.

DEAKAh, you're probably right.

Deak ignites his lightsaber and stabs it into the door. Themetal sizzles as he quickly cuts away the door lock.

BOWMANThat is so...

57.

ZAVOSUseful.

Deak's finished.

DEAKChewie?

The Wookiee pushes open the oversized door.

INT. TATOOINE - MOS EISLEY - DOCKING BAY

Parked in the docking bay is a old PASSENGER LINER that'sbeen baking in the sun for a very long time. Opposite Kikuand the others is a second entrance with a matchingoverhanging archway.

The passenger liner's boarding ramp is down and LOOTERS,humans, aliens, and a bipedal ASSASSIN DROID, are busysabotaging the spaceship. Mercenaries.

DEAKI'm always the last to arrive.

They're noticed. A looter drops his armload of stolen goods. Kiku ignites her lightsaber.

LOOTER #1Jedi? Jedi!

ASSASSIN DROIDTargeting!

They OPEN FIRE.

Chewie and Zavos take cover in the doorway and return fire. Bowman wisely stays behind them. But the Jedi charge in,deflecting lasers with their lightsabers.

A looter swings a long pike at Deak, who easily slices itinto pieces before delivering a kick to the chest, knockingthe gang member to the dirt.

Kiku closes on Looter #1 and deftly slices off his gun handwith her lightsaber. He collapses, screaming.

ASSASSIN DROID (CONT'D)Targeting!

The droid fires again, a shot that impacts just wide of Zavos'head.

Three more mercenaries exit the ship and join the fray.LOOTER #2

Rush 'em!

58.

Chewbacca shoots one with his crossbow as the firefightdevolves into a brawl.

One of the gang dives at Zavos, who shoots him dead. Buthis momentum knocks Zavos over, the body landing on top ofher.

Deak strikes down a mercenary who's about to shoot Bowman.

DEAKKeep your head down!

The kid nods enthusiastically and takes cover back the waythey came, outside the docking bay.

The assassin droid spins, searching for a target.

ASSASSIN DROIDTargeting!

Looter #1 struggles to his knees, clutching the stump of hisarm.

The assassin droid takes aim at Kiku. She deflects the shot.

Chewbacca HOWLS, grabs the droid, and PULLS OFF ITS ARMS.

ASSASSIN DROID (CONT'D)Target...

With an ELECTRONIC SQUEAL, the droid drops over. Motionless.

Chewbacca clubs Looter #2 with the droid's arm.

Looter #1 awkwardly pulls a THERMAL DETONATOR from a pouch,triggers it, and throws is at Kiku's back.

But his aim is off and the detonator hits the dirt betweenKiku and the rest of the melee. It beeps. She sees it.

KIKUGrenade!

She DIVES clear.

It EXPLODES.

The blast KNOCKS the combatants off their feet with a MASSIVEFIREBALL.

Chaos. There's smoke and fire everywhere.

Deak staggers to his feet. There's a WALL OF FIRE whereKiku was standing.

DEAKSolo!

59.

Zavos rolls the dead body off of her, gets to her feet, andshoots two stunned mercenaries dead.

On the far side of the docking bay, Kiku struggles to get toher feet. She can't see anything through the smoke.

KIKUDeak?

The blue flash of a STUN BEAM hits Kiku in the back and shedrops, unconscious.

Two THUGS creep out from under the archway of the secondentrance.

THUG #1This'll make the boss happy.

THUG #2If it's her. Grab her feet.

They pick up her lightsaber and drag her away, unseen.

Back by the front entrance of the docking bay, Zavos frownsat the passenger liner.

ZAVOSThe ship's a loss!

Deak and Zavos look up at a MERCENARY TRANSPORT that'shovering above the melee. Its loud engines push around thesmoke and clouds of dust.

Chewbacca howls, frantically searching for Kiku.

DEAKI don't see her!

A hatch on the side of the transport opens and GUNNERS readyan anti-personnel laser cannon.

ZAVOSWe have to go!

Chewbacca HOWLS in anguish. Deak kicks a mercenary.

DEAKChewie! Chewbacca!

The anti-personnel laser spins up, preparing to fire on them.

Chewbacca sees the laser cannon and reluctantly follows theothers. The group escapes out to the street just beforelaser fire destroys the doorway.

The mercenary transport ship then tracks around and its lasersDESTROY the passenger liner, which erupts in another fireball.

60.

EXT. TATOOINE - MOS EISLEY - STREET

Deak, Zavos, and Chewbacca catch up to Bowman. The groupruns, disappearing into an alley.

INT. TAANAB - CAPITAL BUILDING - ATRIUM WALKWAY

Four stormtroopers escort the handcuffed Captain Lacert andthe two droids out of an elevator and lead them across along walkway above a large observation deck atrium. Theskyline of the capital and, beyond, the vast lake can beseen through the atrium windows.

Artoo SCREECHES. The little droid spins in a circle, withall of his appendages, ports, and access panels popping openwildly. All the lights on his dome flash on andsimultaneously go dark. Artoo freezes like that, motionless.

THREEPIOArtoo-Detoo! This is no time foryour games.

Threepio kick the smaller droid.

THREEPIO (CONT'D)Artoo?

One of the stormtroopers nudges the astromech with hisblaster.

STORMTROOPER GUARDLet's go.

Nothing. Artoo is completely dark and non-responsive.

STORMTROOPER GUARD #2Leave him.

LACERTYou guys have your orders. We allneed to go off the roof.

(re: Artoo)Him too.

STORMTROOPER GUARD #2Can you move it?

Two of the guards try but Artoo's wheels are stuck. Alleyes are on the droid.

STORMTROOPER GUARDStupid droid's not budging.

Lacert takes the opportunity and SHOULDERS the stormtrooperclosest to him off the walkway. He plummets with a SCREAM. Threepio panics.

61.

THREEPIOWhat are you doing? Oh, no!

Lacert KICKS Stormtrooper Guard #2 over the side of the rail. Another scream.

Artoo comes back to life and ZAPS one of the guards with hisprobe arm, electrocuting him.

The last stormtrooper is shooting at Lacert, who chargeshim, using Threepio as a shield.

THREEPIO (CONT'D)Stop! Stop!

Laser blasts takes off Threepio's arm and scorch his chestplate.

Lacert SLAMS the golden droid into the stormtrooper and theygo down in a heap. Artoo SHOCKS the stormtrooper for goodmeasure.

LACERTNice job, Artoo.

THREEPIOThat was your plan? Look at me! Icould've been killed!

Artoo whistles a blue streak at Threepio while cutting looseLacert's handcuffs.

THREEPIO (CONT'D)That's it. If we survive this, I'mgoing to make sure the Senator hasyour mind wiped.

Lacert picks up a blaster rifle.

LACERT(to Artoo)

Alright, this is your plan. Leadon.

Artoo takes off down the walkway with Lacert after him. Threepio, holding his severed arm, struggles to catch up.

THREEPIOYou'll be reset to factory defaults!

EXT. TATOOINE - MERCENARY ENCAMPMENT -- AFTERNOON

The camp is a flurry of activity. CRIMINALS and MERCENARIESand busy preparing for the impending invasion of Mos Eisley.

62.

INT. TATOOINE - CENTRAL TENT

Inside the large central tent what should be a command postinstead has a party atmosphere. PIRATE CAPTAINS and GANGLEADERS lounge about, eating and drinking. Pig-like GAMMOREANSENTRIES stand guard.

Darth Ikari walks through the flap of heavy fabric keepingout the light and heat of the desert.

PIRATE CAPTAINLord Ikari! Finally! Pull up apew.

IKARISpare me, Captain.

The pirate captain stiffens.

PIRATE CAPTAINBusiness first. Sure thing.

Ikari surveys the tent, disapprovingly.

IKARII best not have been summoned on afool's errand.

PIRATE CAPTAINOf course not, Ikari. We've scouredthis dust ball within an inch ofit's life and, the word is, whatyou're after is down the ridge, holedup in that armpit of a town. Bestchance at what you're after, leastways.

IKARIThe word?

PIRATE CAPTAINThere's always someone willing totrade the right information for aprice. Or to save their own skin.

IKARIFor what we've been paying you, yourinformation had best be accurate,Captain. We will brook no furtherdelays. And I would hate to have tocontinue my search elsewhere.

The threat works its way around the tent.

GANG LEADERMy men will be ready.

63.

PIRATE CAPTAINI have a raiding party scouting thespaceport for any surprises. Shouldn't be long before they reportin. We'll get you your prize, Sith.

GANG LEADER #2Say the word.

The Sith apprentice looks them over.

IKARIDawn.

EXT. TATOOINE - MERCENARY ENCAMPMENT -- EVENING

Tatooine's suns slowly set over the horizon.

INT. TATOOINE - MOS EISLEY - FIXER'S GARAGE

Deak, Zavos, and Bowman are catching their breath, as Fixerlooks on. Chewbacca HOWLS and OVERTURNS a workbench, sendingtools and junk parts flying.

FIXERMy tools!

DEAKChewbacca! We'll find her. We'llget her back.

The Wookiee howls in Deak's face. The young Jedi doesn'tentirely believe his own words.

DEAK (CONT'D)We'll get her back.

Shiro Te enters the shop.

SHIRO TEAnd what of the people of Mos Eisley,Wookiee? Will you leave themundefended?

They all turn to him.

DEAKMaster Shiro Te? Kiku's gone, andthe ship's destroyed.

Chewbacca growls in dissent.

SHIRO TEI can feel young Solo. She is aliveand unharmed.

64.

ZAVOSHow do you know? And how did youfind us?

Shiro Te places a hand on Deak's shoulder.

SHIRO TE(to Deak)

You resonate in the Force. Withpractice, you'll be able to senseher too.

Shiro Te gives Bowman a reassuring nod.

SHIRO TE (CONT'D)I owe Master Skywalker for awakeningme to the Force and cannot sit byand watch while his currentapprentices are in such danger now. I will help you, Deak, as I can.

DEAKThank you, Master.

Deak turns to Chewbacca.

DEAK (CONT'D)I promise you, we will find her assoon as we can. But we have toprotect these people.

Chewie doesn't like it one bit.

Fixer hustles about his shop, trying to undo the Wookiee'sdamage. Zavos stoops to pick up the parts of her combatdroid.

SHIRO TEAnd you, bounty hunter? This is notyour home. You owe these peoplenothing. What of you?

ZAVOSWell, I'm not going out there alone. So it looks like I'm stuck with youJedi for now, crazy as that seems.

EXT. TATOOINE - ROAD TO JABBA'S PALACE -- NIGHT

The sandstone towers of JABBA THE HUTT'S FORTRESS menace therocky wasteland, unchanged by time.

A landspeeder skims along the road towards the imposingstructure.

65.

INT. TATOOINE - JABBA'S PALACE - HALLWAY

The two thugs from the spaceport docking bay drag a boundand semi-conscious Kiku Solo past a SECURITY CHECKPOINT.

INT. TATOOINE - JABBA'S PALACE - THRONE ROOM

The throne room is a crowded menagerie of aliens, criminalsand gangsters. Serving droids work the room, dispensingdrinks. Gaming tables fill much of the space. A large videowall displays betting odds. The Hutt is dead and gone, butbusiness is booming.

The thugs bring Kiku into the throne room and toss her tothe floor before the dais.

THUG #1Like we promised, boss.

Kiku shakes off the last of the effects of the stun beam,coming to her senses. She looks at the dais and is shockedspeechless.

Sitting in a lavish throne atop the dais is the crime lordLANDO CALRISSIAN, sixty-five and loving life. He give Kikua WINNING SMILE.

LANDO(to thugs)

Get those binders off my niece.

KIKULando?

Her handcuffs are removed and Kiku gets to her feet.

KIKU (CONT'D)And my lightsaber?

Lando nods assent. The thugs give her back the utility beltand weapons.

KIKU (CONT'D)So you're into kidnapping now aswell? The gambling not paying offlike it used to?

LANDOWhen you're the house it always pays,kiddo.

A serving droid refills Lando's glass.

LANDO (CONT'D)You know, your father would kill meif anything were to happen to you inmy backyard.

66.

KIKUSo you've rescued me? And what aboutmy friends? The people of Tatooine? Chewbacca?

The last one stings.

LANDOChewie's been taking care of himselffor a long time. I know you want tosave the galaxy and all, but sometimesthat's not the smart play. It's thesabacc player's maxim; fold the hand,wait for the next deal, and keepyour chips close, kid. Thesemercenaries are organized and moredangerous than you think.

KIKUMore dangerous than the CalrissianCartel?

Lando's henchmen don't like her attitude but he waves themback.

LANDOLook, I'm trying to keep you safe asa favor to your father. I can getyou off planet.

KIKUAnd just leave my friends behind? Iguess I'm just not the gambler youare.

LANDOI'm doing the right thing here. Youneed to see that.

KIKUYou want to do the right thing? Help us.

LANDOIt's not that simple. I have...

(re: the room)Interests that need to be lookedafter.

She's heard enough.

KIKUCan I go? My friends need me.

Lando gives. The kid just won't listen to reason.

67.

LANDOYou've got an out here, if you changeyour mind.

KIKU(sarcasm)

Thanks. I'll think it over.

She heads for the exit, giving one of the thugs a shove.

LANDOLet her go.

Kiku stops and turns back for a parting shot.

KIKUHey. Thanks for not having me freeze-dried, Uncle Lando.

And she exits.

Show over, the room returns to normal. Lando sits back inhis throne watching the exit, lost in thought. He comes toa decision and waves over a henchman.

LANDOGet my ship ready.

The henchman nods and takes off on the errand.

INT. TATOOINE - JABBA'S PALACE - HALLWAY

Kiku Solo walks briskly along the empty passageway, her fistclenched. She stops and looks back in the direction of Landoand his offer, then to the palace exit.

With no one around, her face cracks