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

POKE

STAR WARS

Episode VI
The Return Of The Jedi

Bruke Stonewalker has returned
to his home planet of Tatooine
in an attempt to rescue his friend Ashton Solo
from the evil Jabba the Hutt.
Little does Bruke know that
the Imperial Team Rocket Empire
has secretly begun construction on a
new armored space station
even more powerful than the first
dreaded Death Master ball.
When completed, this ultimate weapon will
spell certain doom for the small band of
Rebels struggling to restore freedom to the
galaxy...

[Scene shows the monstrous half-completed Death Master Ball, it's enormous half-completed gold and white superstructure curving around to form jagged ball with deadly steel arms making up the unfinished half. Below, in an unearthly green contrast floats the forest moon of Endor.]
[An Imperial Star Destroyer flies overhead towards the enormous armored bulk of the space station, flanked by two speeding TRIE (Twin Rocket Ion Engine) fighters. A small Imperial shuttle launches from the main bay of the ship and slowly flies towards the Death Master Ball.]

SHUTTLE COCKPIT

Shuttle Captain: Command station, this is ST 321. Code Clearance Blue. We're starting our approach. Deactivate the security shield.
Death Master Ball Commander: The security deflector shield will be deactivated when we have confirmation of your code transmission. Stand by... You are clear to proceed.
Shuttle Captain:We're starting our approach.

DEATH MASTER BALL-CONTROL ROOM

[Operators move about among the control panels. One of the Shield Operators hits various buttons and levers on a large panel, above which is screen displaying the moon Endor, the Death Master Ball and an energy field coming from the moon that deactivates. An officer turns to his Aide.]

Officer:Inform the commander that Lord Vader's shuttle has arrived.
Aide: Yes sir.

[Scene changes to the shuttle approaching and landing in a huge docking bay. A squad of Imperial stormtroopers moves into formation before the craft.]

DEATH MASTER BALL-MAIN DOCKING BAY

[The Death Master Ball commander, Moff Jerjerrod, a tall usually confident officer now strides nervously towards the shuttle ramp. The uneasy troops snap to attention.]
[The loading ramp of the shuttle opens with a whoosh of hydraulics and steam, revealing the heavy footsteps and mechanical breathing of Lord Stone Vader inspects the troops as he walks down the ramp.]

Moff Jerjerrod: Lord Vader, this is an unexpected pleasure. We're honored by your presence.
Stone Vader: You may dispense with the pleasantries, Commander. I'm here to put you back on schedule.
Jerjerrod: [turning pale and sweating] I assure you, Lord Vader, my men are working as fast as they can.
Vader: Perhaps I can find new ways to motivate them.
Jerjerrod: [trying to sound convincing] I tell you, this station will be operational as planned.
Vader: The Emperor does not share your optimistic appraisal of the situation.
Jerjerrod: But he asks the impossible. [whispers] I need more men.
Vader: Then perhaps you can tell him when he arrives.
Jerjerrod: [horrified] The Emperor's coming here?
Vader: That is correct, Commander. And he is most displeased with your apparent lack of progress.
Jerjerrod: [straightening and trying to look calm] We shall double our efforts.
Vader: I hope so, Commander, for your sake. The Emperor is not as forgiving as I am.

ROAD TO JABBA'S PALACE-TATOOINE

[A single road winds it's way around the desolate sandy plains of Tatooine. A beeping sound is heard and a reply before the familiar pair of Togepio (To-GPO), a tall, white egg-like poke'droid with a long neck and little wings, and Char-2 Z-2, a small, red, cylindrical, repair poke'droid with mechanical wings folded neatly across his back and a single rotating camera for an eye, making their way towards the ominous palace of Jabba the Hutt.]

Togepio: Of course I'm worried. And you should be, too. Garyando Calrissian and poor Churaicca never returned from this awful place.
Chartoo: [whistles timidly]
Togepio: Don't be so sure. If I told you half the things I've heard about this Jabba the Hutt, you'd probably short-circuit.

[The two poke'droids cautiously approach the massive entrance to the palace.]

Togepio: Chartoo, are you sure this is the right place? [pauses, and finds no doorbell] We'd better knock, I suppose. [Togepio timidly knocks on the obscenely large door and says instantly] There doesn't seem to be anyone there. Let's go back and tell Master Bruke.

[a tiny hatch suddenly opens in the door and a mechanical eye attached to a long arm pops out and looks over the two poke'droids hurriedly]

Mechanical Eye: Tee chuta thrat yudda!
Togepio: Goodness gracious me!
Mechanical Eye: Me yuddah whaudta?!
Togepio: [indicating Chartoo] Chartoo Zetoowha. [then indicating himself] Teegeepiowha ey toota ott mischka Jabba du Hutt.?

[The eye looks from one poke'droid to the other, there is a laugh then the eye zips back into the door. The hatch slams shut. Chartoo beeps his concern.]

Togepio:I don't think they're going to let us in, Chartoo. [turning] Perhaps we'd better go.

[Chartoo beeps his reluctance as Togepio turns to leave. Suddenly the door starts to rise with a horrific metallic grind. As soon as the door is open enough, Chartoo starts forward into the gloom. Togepio pauses, afraid, then realizes how far ahead Chartoo is and rushes in after the small poke'droid, The door lowers noisily behind them.]

Togepio: Oh, dear! Chartoo. Chartoo, I really don't think we should rush into all this!

[Chartoo continues down the corridor, with Togepio running faster to get away from a large mechanical spider.]

Togepio: Oh!, Chartoo! Chartoo, wait for meeeee!

JABBA'S PALACE-HALLWAY

[The door slams shut with a loud crash that echoes throughout the dark passageway. Chartoo suddenly bumps into a large, pig like
Gamorrean Guard and backs up quickly. Togepio runs up and takes one look at the brutes and shakes. One guard grunts an order and Chartoo beeps nervously.]

Togepio: Oh my! Just you deliver Master Bruke's message and get us out of here.

[A human-like alian with tentacles protruding from his skull (a Twi'lek) and the name of Bib Fortuna suddenly steps out of the darkness and walks towards them.]

Bib Fortuna: Die Wanna Wanga!
Togepio: [frightened] Oh, my! Die Wanna Wauaga. We -- we bring a message to your master, Jabba the Hutt.
Chartoo: a series of quick beeps.
Togepio: [continuing] ...and a gift. [sinks in, and turns to Chartoo] Gift, what gift?
Bib Fortuna: Nee Jabba no badda. Me chaade su goodie. [he strokes Chartoo and the little poke'droid back up and lets out a protestant array of beeps.]
Togepio: [to Bib] He says that our instructions are to give it only to Jabba himself.

[Bib thinks for a moment.]

Togepio: I'm terribly sorry. I'm afraid he's ever so stubborn about these sort of things.
Bib Fortuna: [angrily gesturing for the poke'droids to follow] Nudd Chaa!
[The poke'droids follow the Bib into the darkness, the guards trail behind.]
Togepio: [to Chartoo, quietly] I have a bad feeling about this.

JABBA'S THRONE ROOM

[The throne room doubles as the main the main hang-out room. Filling it is a most erratic array of creatures, the likes of which not even the Mos Eisley Spaceport could contend with, there appeared to be a band in the corner that was playing a very interesting form of music. The two nervous poke'droids were ushered into the poorly lit alcove a led to the leader of this eccentric crowd: Jabba the Hutt, a more repulsive underworld lord never existed; Jabba resembled an enormous slug, with bloated fat that loosely covered his whole body. Large orange eyes glowed out from a hideous face wearing a maniacal grin. Chained to the monster is a beautiful alien dancer (another Twi'lek) named Oola and resting at the foot, or rather tail, sits an obnoxious birdlike thing, Salacious Crumb. Bib whispers something in the slobbering degenerate's ear and Jabba aims a frightening laugh at the two poke'droids standing before him. Togepio bows politely.]

Togepio:Good morning.
Jabba the Hutt: Bo Shuda!

[The poke'droids step nervously forward into the light to be seen better.]

Togepio: The message, Chartoo, the message!
Chartoo: [whistles, and a thin beam of light projects from a lens on his head. The beam enhances to a hologram of Bruke, which grows large enough that everyone in the room can see him]
Hologram Bruke: [bows] Greetings, Exalted One. Allow me to introduce myself. I am Bruke Stonewalker, Jedi Knight and friend to Captain Solo. I know that 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 Solo's life. [Jabba's crowd laughs cruelly] With your wisdom, I'm sure that we can work out an arrangement which will be mutually beneficial and enable us to avoid any unpleasant confrontation. As a token of my goodwill, I present to you a gift: these two droids.
Togepio: [very startled by this] What did he say?!
Hologram Bruke: [continuing] ... Both are hardworking and will serve you well.
Togepio: [as Bruke's hologram disappears] This can't be! [hits Chartoo] Chartoo, you're playing the wrong message!

[Jabba laughs a deep unsettling laugh while Bib fills him in in Huttese]

Jabba: [in Huttese] There will be no bargain.
Togepio: We're doomed.
Jabba: [in Huttese] I will not give up my favorite decoration..............I like Captain Solo where he is!

[Jabba laughs again and indicates towards a small alcove on the far side of the room, there the poke'droids see hanging flat against the wall, Ashton Solo, still frozen in carbonite.]

Togepio: Chartoo, look! Captain Solo! And he's still frozen in carbonite.

DUNGEON CORRIDOR

[one of One of Jabba's Gamorrean guards marches Chartoo and Togepio down a dank, shadowy passageway lined with holding cells. The eerie crys of innumerable prisoners echo along the walls. Occasionally an arm reaches out pitifully, only to be shoved back in by the guards's spear.]

Chartoo: Beep!
Togepio: What could possibly have come over Master Bruke. Is it something I did? He never expressed any unhappiness with my work. Oh! Oh! Hold it! Ohh! [A large tentacle wraps around Togepio's neck. He manages to break free, and they move on to a door at the end of the corridor.]

BOILER ROOM

[The door slides open, revealing a room filled with steam and noisy machinery. The guard motions them into the boiler room, where they are met by a tall, thin humanoid, but mean looking, robot named EV-9D9. Behind the robot can be seen a torture rack pulling the legs off a screaming work droid. A second power droid is upside down. As smoking branding irons are pressed into his feet, the stubby robot lets out an agonized electronic scream. Chartoo and Togepio cringe as the guard grunts to EV-9D9.]

Eeveeninedenine: Ah, good. New acquisitions. You are a protocol droid, are you not?
Togepio: I am To-Gepio, human-cy...
Eeveeninedenine: [all business] Yes or no will do.
Togepio: Oh. Well, yes.
Eeveeninedenine: How many languages do you speak?
Togepio: I am fluent in over six million forms of communication, and i...
Eeveeninedenine: [cutting off] Splendid! We have been without an interpreter since our master became angry with our last protocol droid and disintegrated him.
Togepio: Disintegrated? [EV-9D9 indicates over to a rack where the appendages of a droid are being electrically melted off]
Eeveeninedenine: [to guard] Guard! This protocol droid might be useful. Fit him with a restraining bolt and take him back to His Excellency's main audience chamber. [the guard takes Togepio away]
Togepio: [moaning] Chartoo, don't leave me! Ohhh!

[Chartoo let's out a reassuring beep as Togepio disappears, then beeps an angry insult at EV-9D9.]

Eeveeninedenine: You're a feisty little one, but you'll soon learn some respect. I have need for you on the master's Sail Barge. And I think you'll fit in nicely.

[A poor droid screams as the branding irons are pressed against his feet again.]

JABBA'S THRONE ROOM

[Jabba and his hoard are in the midst of a rambunctious party. Creatures for every race dance, sing and and drool and make rude noises at Oola and a fat female dancer trow themselves around the dance floor to the music from the band. The act ends and the crowd claps.]

Jabba:[in Huttese] Do that again!

[A strange furry alien with a big mouth nods and starts to sing.]

Strange Band Member: OH! HA NODT HREHD VREAA!!

[the bands main singer, a bizarre alien by the name of Sy Snootles. She was rather large and was supported by very thin legs and her mouth was at the end of a long proboscis and tiny eyes were also on the ends of appendages just above her mouth.]

Sy Snootles: Naw wha doncy chu chu wha no mungna ningo to wha! Shi mieg iney foong to nwa ifie shoo new niengy ding wha! Foonga dine inte nee nee whuung te gee jee maunga doong krwaaaaaaaaa!
Strange Band Member: [taking over] FOODT JAHH DOOFFA NIERG NIERG JAEH KIHRT KWUFFA DIEGE KRAA!

[the band continues to play as Oola dances around. Jabba leers at her with a lustful gleam in his eyes and beckons Oola to come over. She stops dancing and tries to back away. Jabba starts to get angry and point emphatically to the spot next to him.]

Jabba: Dyoo Eitha!
Oola: [screams and shakes her head] Na Chuba negatorie Na! Na! Natoota...
Jabba: [furious that his wish is not heeded, pulls on the chain binding Oola. She pulls back and suddenly Jabba stops] Boscka!
Sy Snootles: [stops singing instantly] Oh oh!

[Jabba pushes a button and before the lovely Oola has a chance to react the floor opens beneath her and she falls down a tube and into a large camber where a monstrous Rancor waits. A growl is heard followed by a scream as Jabba and his hoard move to the grating to watch.]
[suddenly, everyones distracted by a gun shot. They look up to see a guard thrown brutally aside as an unearthly quiet sweeps the hideous gathering. On the far side of the room the crowd parts to let in a strangely dressed bounty hunter by the name of Boushh leading his captive: the hairy orange form of Ashton Solo's copilot; Churaicca the Wookiee.]

[Bib moves alongside his obese master and whispers something to him, indicating the bounty hunter and Churaicca. The bounty hunter probably glared under his mask but his emotions were well hidden, finally he speaks in an odd, electrically filtered tongue.]

Boushh: [in his native Ubese] I have come for the bounty on this Wookiee.
Togepio: [to himself] Oh, no! Churaicca!
Jabba: [in Huttese] At last we have the mighty Churaicca! [he laughs wickedly and beckons Togepio closer, who unwillingly advances.]
Togepio: Oh, uh, yes, uh, I am here, Your Worshipfulness. Uh... yes!

[Jabba continues talking and Boushh listens and studies the odd assortment of creatures in the room. Boba Fett stands in the corner.]

Togepio: [to Boushh] The illustrious Jabba bids you welcome and will gladly pay you the reward of twenty-five thousand.
Boushh: [in his native Ubese] I want fifty thousand. No less.
Togepio: [to Jabba] Fifty thousand, no less.

[Jabba launches into a rage and slams Togepio of the platform into a heap below. Jabba continues to rant in Huttese as Boushh waits. Togepio slowly gets back on the platform, now slightly dented with a green mark across his chest where Jabba hit him.]

Togepio: [nervously] ... but what, what did I say? [to Boushh] the mighty Jabba asks why he must pay fifty thousand.
Boushh: [holds up a small silver ball and activates a switch] Utay Uotahhh.
Togepio: Because he's holding a thermal detonator! Ohh!

[everyone in the room backs into hiding. Boba Fett readies his gun and the guards brandish their pikes. Jabba looks at the flashing silver ball and starts to laugh as if not care in the world.]

Jabba: [in Huttese] This bounty hunter is my kind of scum.......Fearless and inventive. [he continues on in Huttese.]
Togepio: [nervously] Jabba offers the sum of thirty-five. [pleadingly] And I do suggest you take it.

[Bib and the other monsters study the bounty hunter and wait for his reaction. Boushh releases a switch on the thermal detonator and it goes dead.]

Boushh: Zeebuss.
Togepio: He agrees!

[the erratic crowd comes out of hiding and in a few minutes the party returns to full normal. As the growling Churaicca is led away by several guards he spots Garyando Calrissian, disguised as a skiff guard in a partial face mask. The band starts a lively tune as Boushh leans against a column with gunfighter cool and glares at Boba Fett as he pats his weapon. Boba Fett returns the gesture.]

DUNGEON CORRIDOR AND CELL

[Several Gamorrean guards haul Churie roughly down the corridor. Churie's angry growls are more then then enough to keep the tentacles at bay. When they get to an empty cell it takes all the guards to force the Wookiee in and slam the door. Churie lets out a mournful howl and bans his head on the door.]

OUTSIDE THE PALACE-TATOOINE

[The palace is sitting in the light of the double sunset. On the road in front, a large toad-like creature flicks its tongue out for a desert rodent and burps in satisfaction.]

JABBA'S THRONE ROOM - NIGHT

[The room is silent, and a few drunken creatures snoring loudly are the only remnants of the fanatical party. The shadowy figure of the bounty hunter, Boushh, moves stealthily among the columns at the perimeter of the room. He picks his way around some immobile beings and walks up to the floating carbonite coffin of Ashton. The bounty hunter deactivates the force field suspending it and the block comes to a rest on the floor. He studies Ashton for a moment then sets to work punching various buttons, then the de-carbonizing lever. The case begins to emit a hum as the hard covering on Ashton's body melts off, when it's done, he falls to the floor with a thud. He appears quite dead. The bounty hunter waits for a moment then Ashton's eyes pop open and he begins to cough, Boushh steadies him.]

Boushh: [still with the electrically modified voice] Just relax for a moment. You're free of the carbonite. [Ash Moans and touches his face]
Boushh: Shhh. You have hibernation sickness.
Ash: [cold, clammy, and shaking] I can't see.
Boushh: Your eyesight will return in time.
Ash: Where am I?
Boushh: Jabba's palace.
Ash: [reaches up and touches Boushh's face mask] Who are you?

[The bounty hunter reaches up and lifts the helmet from his head, revealing the beautiful face of the red-headed Princess Misteia.]

Princess Misteia: Someone who loves you.
Ash: Misteia! [they kiss]
Misteia: I gotta get you out of here.

[As Misteia helps her weakened friend to stand up, the quiet is pierced by the victorious Huttese laugh from the other side of the room.]

Ash: Oh no, I know that laugh.

[the curtain opens revealing Jabba the Hutt, Bib, and the other alien cronies.]

Ash: Hey, Jabba. Look, Jabba, I was just on my way to pay you back, but I got a little sidetracked.................. It's not my fault!

[Jabba ignores him]

Jabba:[in Huttese] It's too late for that, Solo.... You may have been a good smuggler, but now you're Bantha fodder.
Ash: Look...
Jabba: [in Huttese] Take him away!

[The guards grab Ashton and start to lead him away.]

Ash:[desperately] Jabba... I'll pay you triple! You're throwing away a fortune here. Don't be a fool!

[The guards take him away and Garyando quickly moves forward in an attempt to lea Misteia away]

Jabba:[in Huttese] Bring her to me.

[Garyando and a second guard drag the beautiful young princess toward him. Togepio peeks out from behind, but quickly turns away in fear.]

Misteia: We have...powerful friends. You're gonna regret this...
Jabba: [in Huttese] I'm sure.

[Inexorably her lovely face moves to within a few inches of Jabba's ugly blob of a head, he burps and Misteia turns away in disgust.]

Misteia: Ugh!
Togepio: Ohhh, I can't bear to watch.

DUNGEON CELL

[The heavy metal door of the dungeon whines and slowly creaks open. A guard throws the blinded space captain into the dark cell and the door slams shut behind him, leaving only a thin sliver of light from a crack in the door. Ashton is trying to collect himself when suddenly a growl is heard from the far side of the cell. He jumps back against the cell door and listens.]

Ash:Churie? Churie, is that you?
Churie: [runs towards Ash and lifts him off the ground in a big Wookiee hug and dragging him into the light.] The giant Wookiee barks with glee.
Ash: I can't see, pal. What's goin' on?
Churie: barks an excited stream of information.
Ash: Bruke? Bruke's crazy. He can't even take care of himself, much less rescue anybody.
Churie: barks a reply.
Ash: [throughly confused] A...Jedi Knight?.............. I--I'm out of it for a little while, everybody gets delusions of grandeur!
Churie: [holds Ash to his chest and pets his head.] Grawawaw.
Ash: I'm all right, pal. I'm all right.

MAIN GATE AND HALL-JABBA'S PALACE

[With a great rumble, the main gate creaks open and a blazing light floods the deserted entranceway of the palace, the hooded silhouette of Bruke Stonewalker is seen as he strides purposefully inward towards the throne room. He is dressed in a simple black outfit and wears a robe similar to the one Sam Kenoaki used to wear. His arms are folded and he carries neither blaster or lightsaber. Two Gamorrean guards appear suddenly and block Bruke's path, but he simply raises his hand at them and they lower their spears and fall back. Bruke lowers his hand and continues.]
[Bib Fortuna walks hastily out of the gloom and speaks to Bruke, but seemingly he takes no notice and Bib must reverse his direction and hurry alongside the young Jedi in order to carry on the conversation. Several other guards fall in behind them in the darkness.]

Bruke Stonewalker: [purposefully] I must speak with Jabba.
Bib Fortuna: [shakes his head in denial] Answers in Huttese.
Bruke: [raises hand slightly and says calmly] You will take me to Jabba now.
Bib: [makes as if to object but stops as if in a trance] I will take me to Jabba now.

[Bruke follows Bib into the gloom.]

Bruke:[calmly] You serve your master well.
Bib: responds in Huttese.
Bruke: And you will be rewarded.

JABBA'S THRONE ROOM

[Jabba is asleep on his throne, with Misteia laying in front of him. Salacious sits by Jabba's tail, almost asleep. Misteia is now dressed in the skimpy iron bikini of a dancing girl, with a chain running from a neck band to Jabba's hand. Togepio stands behind Jabba as Bib walks up to the obese slug.]

Togepio: At last! Master Bruke's come to rescue me!
Bib: Master!

[Jabba snaps awake and Bib continues.]

Bib: ...Bruke Stonewalker, Jedi Knight.
Jabba: [in Huttese, mildly angry] I told you not to admit him!
Bruke: I must be allowed to speak.
Bib: [in Huttese] He must be allowed to speak.

[Jabba becomes very angry and clobbers Bib, knocking him off the throne/platform.]

Jabba:[fairly furious, in Huttese] You weak-minded fool! He's using an old Jedi mind trick.
Bruke: [Stares hard at Jabba, with seemingly closed eyes, and says strongly] You will bring Captain Solo and the Wookiee to me.
Jabba: [in Huttese.] Your mind powers will not work on me, boy. [laughs]
Bruke: [undaunted] Nevertheless, I'm taking Captain Solo, and his friends. You can either profit by this... or be destroyed. It's your choice. But I warn you not to underestimate my powers.

[Jabba's laugh is laud and cruel. Togepio attempts to warn Bruke about the pit.]

Togepio: Master Bruke, you're standing on...
Jabba: [in Huttese.] There will be no bargain, young Jedi....I shall enjoy watching you die.

[Bruke quickly reaches out and a blaster flies out of a guards hand and into Bruke's. The bewildered guard grabs for it, but Jabba just raises his arm.]

Jabba:Bascka!

[The floor suddenly opens up and Bruke and the hapless guard fall into the pit. The blaster goes off and blasts a hole in the ceiling before Bruke drops it. Jabba laughs as his minions move him over the viewing area, Misteia starts forward but is held back by a human guard; one she recognizes as Garyando Calrissian. She makes to say something but he snakes his head no.]

RANCOR PIT

[Bruke and the guard drop thirty feet from a chute into the dungeon-like room, Bruke gets to he feet as the guard squeals hysterically for help. A crowd gather around the top of the pit as the huge door to the far side of the pit screeches open.]

Togepio: [panicked] Oh, no! The Rancor!

[The door fully opens revealing the giant, fanged Rancor. The guard runs to the chute and frantically tries to clime up, but to no avail as the monstrous beast closes in on him; he squeals loudly as it grabs him and swallows whole. The crowd above cheers at the guard's fate.]
[The Rancor then turns on Bruke and the young Jedi dodges away and grabs a long leg-bone from an earlier victim just as the beast grabs him, and as the beast raises Bruke to it's mouth,he wedges the monster's mouth open, causing it to drop him in surprise. It bellows in rage and trashes around as Bruke runs past it and squeezes into a small crevice in the wall, and notices a utility door in the back of the holding cave, he starts to move but the monster cruses the bone and eyes him furiously. The Rancor reaches into the crevice after Bruke, but he grabs a sharp rock and slams it into the fat finger proding for him, the beast roars in pain and withdraws it's hand as Bruke runs for the holding cave door.]
[The Rancor lets out a roar as Bruke reaches the door and pushes the button to open it, when he succeeds, he sees a heavy iron gate between him and safety and beyond it two guards look up from their dinner. Bruke sees the monster rapidly moving towards him and pulls frantically on the door, but the guards laugh and move to the door to poke at the young Jedi with their spears. Suddenly, Bruke notices a control panel halfway up on the opposite wall and when the Rancor starts coming through the door, he hurls a rock at the panel and the giant door comes crashing down on the beast's head, crushing it to the great infinity.]
[A startled gasp is heard from the stunned court. There's consternation at this turn of events. Heads look to Jabba, who is actually turning red with anger. Misteia cannot suppress her joy. Jabba utters harsh commands to his guards and they hurry off.]

Jabba:[furiously, in Huttese] Bring me Solo and the Wookiee! They will all suffer for this outrage!

RANCOR PIT

[The Rancor keepers burst into the cage and examine the very dead creature. One of them breaks down and weeps uncontrollably, the other glares at Bruke and tries to comfort his friend. Several guards burst in the room and haul Bruke roughly away]

JABBA'S THRONE ROOM

[the bizarre assortment of guests parts as Ashton and Churaicca and led into the throne room, while the other guards drag Bruke up the steps.]

Bruke: Ash!
Ash: Bruke!
Bruke: Are you all right?
Ash: Fine. Together again, huh?
Bruke: Wouldn't miss it.
Ash: How are we doing?
Bruke: The same as always.
Ash: That bad, huh? Where's Misteia?
Misteia: I'm here.

[Togepio stands behind the hideous slug as he strokes Misteia like a cat, Several of the guards, including Garyando, bring Luke from the other side of the room, Boba Fett is with them.]
[Togepio steps forward and translates for the captives.]

Togepio: His High Exaltedness, the great Jabba the Hutt, has decreed that you are to be terminated immediately.
Ash: [sarcastically] Good, I hate long waits.
Togepio: You will therefore be taken to the Dune Sea and cast into the pit of Carkoon, the nesting place of the all-powerful Sarlacc.
Ash: [to Bruke] Doesn't sound so bad.
Togepio: [continuing] In his belly, you will find a new definition of pain and suffering, as you are slowly digested over a...thousand years.
Ash: On second thought, let's pass on that, huh?
Churie: barks his agreement.
Bruke: [confident] You should have bargained, Jabba. That's the last mistake you'll ever make! [Jabba laughs at this.]

[As the guards drag the prisoners from the throne room, a loud cheer rises from the crowd. Misteia and Churie exchange concerned looks, but Bruke Stonewalker, Jedi warrior, cannot suppress a smile.]

TATOOINE DUNE SEA-SKIFF

[Jabba's huge sail barge moves above the desert surface accompanied by two smaller Skiffs. One of the skiffs glides close, revealing Bruke, Ashton, and Churie -- all in bonds -- surrounded by guards, one of whom is Garyando in disguise.]

Ash:I think my eyes are getting better. Instead of a big dark blur, I see a big light blur.
Bruke: There's nothing to see. I used to live here, you know.
Ash: You're gonna die here, you know. Convenient.
Bruke: Just stick close to Churie and Garyando. I've taken care of everything.
Ash: [uncomforted] Oh... great!

SAIL BARGE OBSERVATION DECK

[Jabba the Hutt rides like a sultan in the massive antigravity ship, with him is his entire hoard drinking, eating, and having a good time. Misteia is watching her friends on the skiff when the chain attached to her neck is pulled tight and Jabba tugs the scantily clad princess to him.]

Jabba:[in Huttese] Soon you will learn to appreciate me. [Misteia doesn't look too sure of that.]

[As Togepio walks around the sail barge inhabitants, he suddenly bumps into a smaller poke'droid who was serving drinks, spilling them all over the floor. The rumpled poke'droid spits an angry series of beeps and whistles.]

Togepio:Oh, I'm terribly sor... Chartoo! What are you doing here?
Chartoo: Beeps a reply
Togepio: Well, I can see you're serving drinks, but this place is dangerous! They're going to execute Master Bruke and, if we're not careful, us too!
Chartoo: whistles an almost carefree response.
Togepio: Hmmpf. I wish I had your confidence.

SARLACC PIT

[The convoy moves up and over the huge sand pit. The Sail Barge stops to one side of the depression, as does the escort skiff, while the prisoner's skiff moves out directly over the center and hovers. At the bottom of the deep cone of sand is a repulsive, throat-like hole lined with thousands of needle-sharp teeth, various fanged proboscises protrude from the creature; this is the Sarlacc. A plank is extended from the skiff and a guard releases Bruke's bonds and shoves him out onto it.]

SAIL BARGE OBSERVATION DECK

[Jabba and Misteia are now by the rail, watching. Togepio leans forward and the nauseating villain mumbles something to him. As Togepio steps up to a comlink, Jabba raises his arm and the motley array of bizarre aliens falls silent. Togepio's voice is amplified across loudspeakers.]

Togepio: Victims of the almighty Sarlacc: His Excellency hopes that you will die...honorably. But should any of you wish to beg for mercy, the great Jabba the Hutt will now listen to your pleas.

SKIFF DECK

Ash: [steps forward and says arrogantly] Togepio, you tell that slimy piece of... worm-ridden filth he'll get no such pleasure from us! [to Churie] Right?
Bruke: Jabba! This is your last chance.... Free us or die.

[Garyando moves unobtrusively into position along the skiff.]

SAIL BARGE OBSERVATION DECK

[The assembled hoard rolls with mocking laughter at Bruke as Chartoo zips unnoticed up the ramp to the upper deck. Jabba's laughter subsides as he speaks into the comlink.]

Jabba: [in Huttese] Move him into position!

SAIL BARGE-UPPER DECK

[Chartoo appears from below and zips over to the rail facing the pit. Below, in the skiff, Bruck is prodded by a guard to the edge of the plank above the gaping Sarlacc, he looks up at Chartoo and gives, presumably, a final salute: the signal the little poke'droid has been waiting for. A flap opens in Chartoo's domed head.]

Jabba:[in Huttese] Put him in!

SKIFF - PLANK

[Luke is prodded and jumps off the plank to the cheers of the bloodthirsty spectators, but before anyone can even perceive what is happening, he spins around and grabs the end of the plank by his fingertips. The plank bends wildly from his weight and catapults him skyward. In midair he does a complete flip and drops down on the end of the plank in the same spot he just vacated, but facing the skiff, he casually extends an open palm and his lightsaber, which Artoo has sent arcing toward him, drops into his hand.]
[With samurai speed Bruke ignites it and attacks the guard who prodded him off the plank, sending the hapless monster screaming overboard. The other guards swarm toward Bruke and he wades into them, lightsaber flashing, while Garyando struggles with another guard at the back of the skiff.]

SARRLACC PIT

[the bewildered guard lands in the soft, sandy slope of the pit, and begins sliding. He claws desperately as a Sarlacc proboscis grabs him and pulls him, screaming, into the gaping void.]

SAIL BARGE-OBSERVATION DECKS

[Jabba watches this and explodes in rage. He barks commands, and the guards around him rush off to do his bidding, while The erratic creatures watching the action from the window are in an uproar.]

SKIFF DECK

[Bruke knocks another guard off the skiff and into the waiting mouth of the Sarlacc and starts to untie Churie's bonds.]

Bruke:Easy, Churie.

[At that moment, the deck gunmen on the sail barge unleash a series of blasts from a big cannon on the upper deck and Garyando is tossed from the deck of the rocking skiff. He manages to grab a rope, and dangles desperately above the Sarlacc pit.]

Garyando: [panicked] Whoa! Whoa! Heeellllp!

UPPER DECK - SAIL BARGE

[With two swift strides, the dangerous Boba Fett ignites his rocket pack, leaps into the air, and flies from the barge down to the skiff.]

SKIFF DECK

[Boba Fett lands on the skiff and starts to aim his laser gun at Luke, who has just freed Ashton and Churie from their bonds, But before Boba can fire, the young Jedi spins on him, lightsaber sweeping, and hacks the bounty hunter's gun in half.]
[Immediately, the skiff takes another direct hit from the barge's deck gun. Shards of skiff deck fly. Churie and Ashton are thrown against the rail.]

Ash: Churie, you okay? Where are you?
Churie: [was wounded as he crashed into the railing and howl in pain]

[For a second, Bruke is distracted with another guard and Boba Fett seizes the moment the fire cable from his armored sleeve and Bruke's arms are instantly pined to his sides, leaving only wrist movement. Bruke makes use of this to bend his lightsaber upward to cut the cable and he shrugs it off and stands free just as another blast from the Barge's deck gun hits near where Boba and the bounty hunter is knocked unconscious to the deck]

Garyando: [hanging, and more then a little concerned] Ash!! Churie!!
Ash: [turning] Garyando!

[Bruke is momentarily remains standing as a fusillade brackets him. The second skiff, loaded with guards firing their weapons, moves in on him fast and the young Jedi jumps towards it and lands squarely in the middle and begins decimating the guards from their midst.]
[Churie tries to stand on the wildly shaking deck and barks orders to Ashton, guiding him to a spear dropped by one of the guards and after a few minutes he succeeds. Meanwhile, Boba Fett, badly shaken, rises from the deck. He looks over at the other skiff, where Luke is whipping a mass of guards and raises his arm to fire his lethal appendage, but at that moment Churie sees him and barks and order to Ashton.]

Ash: Boba Fett?! Boba Fett?! Where? [The space pirate spins around blindly and the long spear in his hand slams squarely into Boba's rocket pack and causing it to ignite.]

[The unexpected force sends Boba Fett flying like a missile over the two skiffs and smashing against the side of the sail barge before sliding into the pit. He lets a last desperate scream as his armored body make it's last flight past Garyando and into the waiting mouth of the Sarlacc. The Sarlacc give a satisfied burp. Churie growls a congratulatory to Ashton.]

SAIL BARGE

[Misteia turns from the spectacle outside, leaps onto Jabba's throne, and throws the chain that enslaves her over his head around his bulbous neck, she Then dives off the other side of the throne, pulling the chain violently in her grasp. Jabba's flaccid neck contracts beneath the tightening chain and his huge eyes bulge from their sockets and his scum-coated tongue flops out. The Exalted Hutt's huge tail spasms through its death throes and then slams down into final stillness. Misteia struggles to free herself of her bondage.]

SKIFF DECK

[Bruke, meanwhile, continues to destroy the aliens on the guards' skiff, as Ashton extends his spear downward to Garyando, who is still dangling precariously from a rope on the prisoner's skiff.]

Ash: Garyando, grab it!
Garyando: Lower it!
Ash: I'm trying!

[A major hit from the barge deck gun knocks the skiff on its side, and Ashton and almost everything else on board slides overboard. The rope breaks, and Garyando falls to the side of the Sarlacc pit. Luckily, Ash's foot catches on the skiff railing and he dangles above Garyando and the pit. The helpless Wookiee holds onto the skiff for dear life as another hit from the deck gun rocks the skiff violently.]

Ash: Whoa! Whoa! Grab me, Churie! I'm slipping!!
Churie: [Churie grabs hold of Ash's feet, holding him upside down, as Ash extends the spear toward Garyando, who is clutching desperately to the side of the pit.] Grewrowlaw!!
Ash: Grab it! G--Garyando. Grab!

[Bruck finally finishes off the last guard on the second skiff and sees the deck gun blasting away at his helpless companions. He leaps from the skiff, across a huge chasm of air, to the sheer metallic side of the sail barge, barely able to get a fingerhold, he begins a painful clime up the hull when suddenly, a window opens next to Bruke and an ax slams down an inch from his head. With Jedi agility, Bruke grasps the wrist holding the ax and yanks the helpless guard through the open portal and into the deadly pit.]
[Churie reaches down to get a better grasp on Ashton, who in turn is blindly reaching down toward the desperate Garyando, who managed to stop his slippage downward by laying very still, but every time he reaches for Ashton's spear the loose sand move him a little closer toward his final destiny.]

Ash: Grab it! Almost... You almost got it!
Garyando: Hold it! Whoa! [Again Ash tries to extend the spear towards Garyando.]
Ash: Gently now. All... all right. Now easy, easy. Hold me, Churie!

[Just as Garyando grabs the spear, he screams; as one of the Sarlacc's tentacles has wrapped itself around his and is starting to drag him.]

Ash:Churie! Churie, give me the gun. Don't move, Garyando!
Garyando: No, wait! I thought you were blind!
Ash: It's all right. Trust me. Don't move.
Garyando: No, wait! A little higher! Just a little higher!

[Ash adjusts his aim as Garyando lowers his head, and the fuzzy-eyed pirate fires at the tentacle scoring a Direct hit. The tentacle releases Garyando with a scream, and Churie starts to pull them on board the skiff.]

Ash: Churie, Pull us up! Come on! Okay... up, Churie, up!

UPPER GUN DECK-SAIL BARGE

[The deck gunners have Churie and the desperate, dangling human chain in their gun sights when something up on deck commands their attention: Bruke, standing before them like a pirate king, ignites his lightsaber. The deck gunners have barely reached for their blasters before the young Jedi has demolished them, immediately, Luke turns to see two more gunners racing for him, firing their blasters.]

SAIL BARGE-OBSEVATION DECK

[Misteia is struggling against her chains in desperation as Chartoo zips through the tumult of confused monsters to the rescue; the stubby little poke'droid extends a small flame saw and blasts the chain apart.]

Misteia: Come on. We gotta get out of here.

[Chartoo and Misteia race for the exit, passing Togepio, who is kicking and screaming as Salacious Crumb, the reptilian monkey- bird picks out one of the golden poke'droid's eyes.]

Togepio: Not my eyes! Chartoo, help! Quickly, Chartoo. Oh! Ohhh!

[Chartoo zips over and zaps Salacious with a flamethrower, sending him skyward with a scream, crashing into the rafters as Chartoo, Misteia, and Togepio (struggling to fix his eye) hurry off.]

EXIT UPPER GUN DECK-SAIL BARGE

[Bruck is warding off an onslaught of laser blasts with his lightsaber, surrounded by guards he fights viciously. Misteia emerges from the deck as Bruke takes out another attacker.]

Bruck:[to Misteia] Get the gun! Point it at the deck!

[Misteia turns toward the barge cannon, climbs on the platform, and swivels the gun around.]

Bruck:Point it at the deck

[A laser blast hits Bruck's mechanical hand and he bends over in pain, but manages to swing his lightsaber upward and takes out the last of the guards. He looks at the wounded hand, which reveals the mechanism but luckily as he flexes the hand; it still works.]
[Near the rail of he upper deck, Togepio and Chartoo steady themselves as Togepio prepares to jump. Chartoo beeps wildly.]

Togepio: Chartoo, where are we going? I couldn't possibly jump.

[Chartoo ignores Togepio and butts the protesting poke'droid over the edge, then unfolds his mechanical wings and land as gracefully as a droid can, which isn't very, in the sand.]
[Bruke runs along the empty deck toward Misteia and the barge gun, which she has brought around and pointed down at the deck.]

Bruke: Come on! [he grabs one of the rigging ropes of the barge and gathers Misteia in his other arm then, kicking the gun trigger, he swings off towards the skiff as the gun explodes.]

SKIFF DECK

[Ashton leans, panting, against the rail as Churie helps a grateful Garyando onto the deck. Bruke and Misteia land on the skiff with flair.]

Bruke: Let's go! And don't forget the droids.
Garyando: [happy to be alive] We're on our way!

[Togepio's legs stick straight up from the dune where he landed. Next to it, Chartoo's periscope is the only thing above the sand. The skiff floats above them and two large electromagnets dangle down on a wire. With a loud clang, both droids are pulled from the sand.]

DUNE SEA

[The little skiff skips around the burning Sail Barge, which continues its chain of explosions. As the skiff races off across the desert, the barge settles to the sand and disappears in one final conflagration.]

SPACE ABOVE TATOOINE

[The desolate yellow planet fills the screen, Bruke's X-wing appears and peels off to the left. A moment later, the Millennium Fearow appears as a dot and grows huge, to rear off to the right.]

BRUKE'S X-WING - COCKPIT

[Bruke is at the controls, with Chartoo attached behind him outside the canopy, Bruke fiddles with the controls and suddenly hears a sound of mechanical circuitry. Discovering that it's his damaged hand, he frowns and pulls a black leather glove over it as he talks with the others in the Millennium Fearow.]

Bruke: I'll meet you back at the fleet.
Misteia: [over comlink] Hurry. The Alliance should be assembled by now.
Bruke: [smiles to himself] I will.
Ash: [over comlink] Hey, Luke, thanks. Thanks for comin' after me. I owe you one.
Bruke: laughs.

MILLENNIUN FEAROW-COCKPIT

Ash: [looks dubiously at Garyando, obviously remembering his friend's betrayal and subsequent aide] Guess I owe you some thanks, too, Garyando.

Garyando:Figured if I left you frozen like that you'd just give me bad luck the rest of my life, so I might as well get you unfrozen sooner or later.

Misteia: He means "You're welcome."

BRUKE'S X-WING - COCKPIT

[An electronic message appears over Bruke's screen and the computer translates it. Bruke smiles at it and replies.]

Bruke:That's right, Chartoo. We're going to the Celabah system. I have a promise to keep... to an old friend.

SPACE - DEATH STAR AND ENDOR

[A massive Super Star Destroyer and several other ships of the Imperial Fleet rest in

space above the half-completed Death Master Ball and the small, green moon of Endor. Four squads of TRIE fighters escort an Imperial shuttle toward the Death Master Ball.]

[The scene shows the Imperial shuttle fly around the Star Destroyers and make a graceful landing the main docking bay, where Lord Vader strides down the hallway, accompanied by a very nervous Death Master Ball commander.]

DOCKING BAY - DEATH STAR

[Thousands of Imperial Rocket Troops in a tight formation fill the behemoth docking bay. Vader and the officer walk down the the rows of troops to the landing platform, where the shuttle had just come to rest.]

[The shuttle's ramp lowers and the Emperor's Royal Guards come out and create a lethal perimeter. The assembled troops move to rigid attention with a momentous snap, then in the tense silence that follows the decrepit figure of Emperor Palpatine is seen coming down the ramp with the aid of a gnarled cane. Hi wears a black hooded robe that completely covers his body and his face is shrouded, though one can still see that the sallow skin hangs in loose folds and the sunken yellow eyes are piercing. Commander Jerjerrod and Darth Vader kneel to him and the Ultimate Lord of the Sith beckons to Slate Vader.]

Emperor Palpatine: [with a deep, croaky voice] Rise, my friend.

[Vader rises and falls in next to the Emperor as he slowly makes his way along the rows of troops. Jerjerrod and the other commanders stay kneeling until the Lord of the Sith and Vader, followed by several of the Emperor's red cloaked Imperial guards, pass by; only then do they join in the procession.]

Slate Vader: The Death Master Ball will be completed on schedule.

Emperor: You have done well, Lord Vader. And now I sense you wish to continue your search for young Stonewalker.

Vader: Yes, my Master.

Emperor: Patience, my friend. In time he will seek you out. And when he does, you must bring him before me. He has grown strong. Only together can we turn him to the dark side of the Force.

Vader: As you wish.

Emperor: Everything is proceeding as I have foreseen. [He laughs wickedly to himself as they pass along the vast line of Imperial Rocket Troops.]

YABRA'S HOUSE-EXTERIOR-CELABAH

[Chartoo is once again confined to waiting outside beside Bruke's X-Wing Fighter, properly landed this time, in the damp environs of the swamp planet, and he's none too happy about it. He beeps dejectedly to himself and turns to look at Yabra's cottage, Warm yellow light escapes the oddly shaped windows to fight the gloom and Chartoo whistles more unhappily.]

YABRA'S HOUSE

[The tip of a walking stick taps hesitantly across the earthen floor of the cottage and the view travels up to small brown hand that clutches it, then to the familiar face of Yabra, the Supreme Jedi Master. His his eyes no longer shine with strength, his tail limp and the few hairs on his brown head are gray and thin but his voice remains cheerful.]

Yabra: Hmm. That face you make. Look I so old to your young eyes?

[Bruke is sitting in a corner of the cramped space and, indeed, his look has been woeful. Caught, he tries to hide it.]

Bruke:No... of course not.

Yabra: [not fooled he chuckles] I do,.....yes, I do!.... Sick have I become. Old and weak. [points a crooked finger] When nine hundred years old you reach, look as good you will not. Hmm? [He smiles at this, then coughs and hobbles over toward his bed.]

Yabra: Soon will I rest. Yes,...forever sleep....... Earned it, I have. [He sits himself on his bed, with great effort.]

Bruke: [distraught] Master Yoda, you can't die!

Yabra: [calmly] Strong am I with the Force... but not that strong. Twilight is upon me and soon night must fall. That is the way of things... the way of the Force.

Bruke: [pleadingly] But I need your help. I've come back to complete the training!

Yabra:No more training do you require. Already know you that which you need. [he sighs heavily, coughs, and lies back on his bed.]

Bruke:Then I am a Jedi?

Yabra:[turns with difficulty and shakes his head] Nooo!.....Not yet. One thing remains: Vader. You must confront Vader. Then, only then, a Jedi will you be. And confront him you will.

Bruke: [mentally writhing in agony, and stays silent for a long time screwing up his courage, finally he is able to ask:] Master Yabra... is Slate Vader my father?

Yabra: Mmm... rest I need. Yes... rest.

Bruke: [watching Yabra, every moment an age] Yabra, I must know.

Yabra: [turns away sadly and says quietly] Your father he is.

[Bruke reacts with a thunderstruck silence, not really knowing how to take it in. finally after a long moment Yabra speaks.]

Yabra: Told you, did he?

Bruke:Yes.....

Yabra: [A new look of concern crosses his face and he closes his eyes.] Unexpected this is, and unfortunate...

Bruke: [confused] Unfortunate that I know the truth?

Yabra: [Yabra opens his eyes again and studies the youth. Then, gathering all his strength,] No. Unfortunate that you rushed to face him............ that incomplete was your training......... Not ready.. for the burden.... were you!

Bruke: Yabra I'm sorry.

Yabra:Remember, a Jedi's strength flows from the Force. But beware. Anger, fear, aggression.The dark side are they. Once you start down the dark path, forever will it dominate your destiny! [he beckons the young Jedi closer to him] Bruke...Bruke...Do not...Do not underestimate the powers of the Emperor,

or suffer your father's fate, you will. [with great difficulty] Bruke, when gone am I [cough],...........the last of the Jedi will you be.

[If possible, Bruke becomes even more depressed and he look at Yabra sadly.]

Yabra: [struggling with death, he fights to tell Bruke his final words] Bruke,.... the Force runs strong in your family........ Pass on what you have learned, Bruke...Bruke......There is...another...S-stone......Stone...walkkkerrrrr.

[The ancient Master of the Jedi takes a final breath then relaxes into the great void. Bruke kneels before his fallen master as his body gently fades away.]

CELABAH SWAMP-X-WING

[Bruke wanders back to where his ship is sitting, Chartoo beeps a greeting, but is ignored by his downcast master. Bruke kneels down, begins to help Chartoo with the ship, then stops and shakes his head dejectedly.]

Bruke: I can't do it, Chartoo. I can't go on alone.

Sam:[voices through he swamp] Yabra will always be with you.

Bruke:[looks up to see the shimmering image of old, bearded, Sam Kenoaki] Obi-Wan!......... Why didn't you tell me?

[The ghost of Sam Kenoaki remains silent as he approaches Bruke through the swamp.]

Bruke:You told me Vader betrayed and murdered my father.

Sam: You father was seduced by the dark side of the Force. He ceased to be Anaflint Stonewalker and became Slate Vader. When that happened, the good man who was your father was destroyed. So what I have told you was true... from a certain point of view.

Bruke: [angrily] A certain point of view!

Sam: Bruke, you're going to find that many of the truths we cling to depend greatly on our own point of view.

Bruke: [Remains unresponsive.]

Sam:I don't blame you for being angry. If I was wrong in what I did, it certainly wouldn't have been for the first time. You see, in a way, what happened to your father was my fault.

Bruke:Turns to listen.

Sam: When I first knew him, your father was already a great pilot. But I was amazed how strongly the Force was with him. I took it upon myself to train him as a Jedi. I thought that I could instruct him just as well as Yabra. I was wrong. My pride has had terrible consequences for the galaxy.

Bruke: There's still good in him.

Sam: He is more machine now than man. Twisted and evil.

Bruke: I can't do it, Sam.

Sam: You cannot escape your destiny.

Bruke: I tried to stop him once. I couldn't do it.

Sam: Vader humbled you when first you met him, Bruke... but that experience was part of your training. It taught you, among other things, the value of patience. Had you not been so impatient to defeat Vader then, you could have finished your training here with Yabra. You would have been prepared.

Bruke:[defensive] But I had to help my friends.

Sam: [grinning at Luke's indignation] And did you help them? It was they who had to save you. You achieved little by rushing back prematurely, I fear.

Bruke:I found out Slate Vader was my father.

Sam:To be a Jedi, Bruke, you must confront and then go beyond the dark side - the side your father couldn't get past. Impatience is the easiest door - for you, like your father. Only, your father was seduced by what he found on the other side of the door, and you have held firm. You're no longer so reckless now, Bruke. You have grown strong and patient. And now, you must face Darth Vader again!

Bruke: I can't kill my own father!

Sam:Then the Emperor has already won. You were our only hope.

Bruke:[questioningly] Yoda spoke of another.

Sam: The other he spoke of is your twin sister.

Bruke: But I have no sister.

Sam: Hmm. To protect you both from the Emperor, you were hidden from your father when you were born. The Emperor knew, as I did, if Anaflint were to have any offspring, they would be a threat to him. That is the reason why your sister remains safely anonymous.

Bruke: [thinks hard for a long moment, then a unexpected insight catches him.] Misteia! Misteia's my sister!?

Sam: Your insight serves you well....... Bury your feelings deep down, Luke. They do you credit. But they could be made to serve the Emperor.

[Bruke looks off into the distance, trying to comprehend all this.]

SPACE-REBEL FLEET

[The vast Rebel Fleet stretches as far as the eye can see. Overhead a dozen small Corellian battleships fly in formation. Fighters and

battlecruisers surround the largest of the Rebel Star Cruisers, the Headquarters Frigate.]

HEADQUARTERS FRIGATE-MAIN BRIEFING ROOM

[Hundreds of Rebel commanders of all races and forms are assembled in the War Room, Redgie Antilies is among them In the center of the room is a holographic model depicting the half-completed Imperial Death Master Ball, the nearby Moon of Endor, and the protecting deflector shield.]

[Mon Mothma, one of the main leaders of the Rebel Alliance, enters the room; she is a stern yet beautiful woman in her fifties, with shoulder length hair and a flowing white dress. Conferring with her are several military leaders, including General Madine, a strongly built, bearded man, and Admiral Arbok, a salmon colored snake-like alien. Both are dressed in the cream colored uniforms of their ranks. Garyando moves through the crowd until he finds Ashton (who is now dressed back in his familiar black pants with the captain stripe, white shirt black vest, red hat and his belt with his blaster and pokeballs), and Churie, standing next to Misteia and the two poke'droids. Ashton peers at Garyando's new cape and the insignia on his chest, and is amused.]

Ash: [amused] Well, look at you, a general, huh?

Garyando: Oh, well, someone must have told them about my little maneuver at the battle of Taanab.

Ash: [sarcastically] Well, don't look at me, pal. I just said you were a fair pilot. I didn't know they were lookin' for somebody to lead this crazy attack.

Garyando: [smiling] I'm surprised they didn't ask you to do it.

Ash: [jokingly] Well, who says they didn't. But I ain't crazy. You're the respectable one, remember?

[Mon Mothma signals for attention, and the room falls silent.]

Mon Mothma: The Emperor has made a critical error and the time for our attack has come.

[This causes a stir. Mon Mothma turns to a holographic model of the Death Master Ball, the Endor moon and the protecting deflector shield in the center of the room.]

Mon Mothma: The data brought to us by the Bothan spies pinpoints the exact location of the Emperor's new battle station. We also know that the weapon systems of this Death Master Ball are not yet operational. With the Imperial Fleet spread throughout the galaxy in a vain effort to engage us, it is relatively unprotected. But most important of all, we've learned that the Emperor himself is personally overseeing the final stages of the construction of this Death Master Ball. [solemnly] Many Bothans died to bring us this information......... Admiral Arbok, please.

[Admiral Arbok steps forward and points to the Death Master Ball's force field and the Moon of Endor.]

Arbok: You can see here the Death Master Ball orbiting the forest Moon of Endor. Although the weapon systems on this Death Master Ball are not yet operational, the Death Master Ball does have a strong defense mechanism. It is protected by an energy shield,

which is generated from the nearby forest Moon of Endor. The shield must be deactivated if any attack is to be attempted. Once the shield is down, our cruisers will create a perimeter, while the fighters fly into the superstructure and attempt to knock out the main reactor.

[There is a concerned murmur among the crowd.]

Arbok: [continuing] General Calrissian has volunteered to lead the fighter attack

Ash:[turns towards Garyando with a look of mock respect] Good luck.

[Garyando looks back with with an equally mocking glare]

Ash: You're gonna need it.

Arbok:General Madine.

General Madine: [moving to the speaking platform] We have stolen a small Imperial shuttle. Disguised as a cargo ship, and using a secret Imperial Rocket code, a strike team will land on the moon and deactivate the shield generator.

[The assembly begins to mumble nervously among themselves.]

Togepio: Sounds dangerous.

Misteia: [to Ash] I wonder who they found to pull that off.

General Madine: [unknowingly answering the question] General Solo, is your strike team assembled?

Misteia: [Startled, she looks up at Ash, surprise changing to admiration.]

Ash:[knows her shock] Uh, my team's ready. I don't have a command crew for the shuttle.

Churaicca: [Raises his hairy paw and volunteers. Ash looks up at him.]

Ash: Well, it's gonna be rough, pal. I didn't want to speak for you.

Churaicca:[Waves that off with a huge growl.]

Ash: [smiles] There's one.

Misteia: [smiles] Uh, General... count me in.

Bruck's voice: I'm with you, too!

[The crowd turns and sees Commander Stonewalker, they part and Bruke walks up to his friends]

[Misteia moves to embrace him but senses a change in his psyche and looks into his eyes questioningly]

Misteia: What is it?

Bruke: [hesitantly] Ask me again sometime.

[Ashton Churaicca and Garyando crowd around Bruke as the assembly breaks up.]

Ash: Bruke!

Bruke: [nods] Hi, Ash... Churie.....Garyando.

Chartoo: Beep beep, whistle, beep!

Togepio: "Exciting" is hardly the word I would use.

HEADQUARTERS FRIGATE-MAIN DOCKING BAY

[The Millennium Fearow rests beyond the stolen Imperial Rocket Shuttle, which seems to to glare maliciously at the Rebel ships in the docking bay. Churie barks a farewell to Garyando and leads the two poke'droids up the ramp, now crowded with the Rebel strike team loading weapons and supplies, Garyando turns to face Ashton as Bruke and Misteia help load gear.]

Ash: Look, I want you to take her. I mean it, take her. You need all the help you can get. She's the fastest ship in the fleet.

Garyando: All right, old buddy. You know, I know what she means to you. I'll take good care of her. She-she won't get a scratch. All right?

Ash: [looks at him with mixed expressions] Right, I got your promise now: Not a scratch.

Garyando: [laughs] Would you get going, you pirate.

[Ashton and Garyando pause, then exchange salutes and start to walk to their ships.]

Garyando: Good luck.

Ash: You, too.

IMPERIAL ROCKET SHUTTLE-COCKPIT

[Bruke is working on a back control panel as Ashton comes in and takes the pilot's seat. Churie, in the seat next to him, is trying to figure out all the Imperial controls.]

Ash:You got her warmed?

Bruke: Yeah, she's comin' up.

Churie: Growls a complaint.

Ash: No, I don't think the Rocket Empire had Wookiees in mind when they designed her, Churie.

Misteia: Comes in from the hold and takes a seat near Bruke.

[Churie barks and hits some switches. Ash's glance has stuck sadly on something out the windshield: the Millennium Fearow, Leia nudges him gently.]

Misteia:Hey, are you awake?

Ash:Yeah, I just got a funny feeling. Like I'm not gonna see her again.

[Churie, hearing this, stops his activity and looks longingly out at the Fearow, too. Misteia puts a hand on Ashton's shoulder.]

Misteia:[gently] Come on, General, let's move.

Ash: [snapping back to life] Right. Churie, let's see what this piece of junk can do. Ready, everybody?

Bruke:All set.

Togepio: [unhappy] Here we go again.

Ash:All right, hang on.

SPACE-THE REBEL FLEET

[The stolen Imperial shuttle leaves the main docking bay of the Headquarters Frigate, lowers its wings into flight position, then Ashton punches the lever for light speed and they zip away.]

EMPEROR'S THRONE ROOM

[The converted control room is dimly lit, except for a pool of light at the far end. There the Emperor sits in an elaborate control chair

before a large window which looks out across the half-completed Death Master Ball to the giant green moon of Endor.]

[Slate Vader, standing with other members of the Imperial council, cautiously approaches his master. The ruler's back is to Vader and after several moments, the Emperor's chair rotates around to face him.]

Vader: What is thy bidding, my Master?

Emperor: Send the fleet to the far side of Endor. There it will stay until called for.

Vader: What of the reports of the Rebel fleet massing near Sullust?

Emperor: It is of no concern. Soon the Rebellion will be crushed and young Stonewalker will be one of us! Your work here is finished, my friend. Go out to the command ship and await my orders.

Vader: Yes, my Master.

[Vader bows, then turns and exits the throne room as the Emperor's chair turns around again to face the fleet.]

STOLEN IMPERIAL SHUTTLE-COCKPIT

[Ashton looks back at Bruke and Misteia as Churie flips several switches. Through the viewscreen, the Death Master Ball and the huge Super Star Destroyer can be seen.]

Ash: [frowning] If they don't go for this, we're gonna have to get outta here pretty quick, Churie.

Churie: [Growls his agreement.]

Super Star Destroyer Commander: [over radio] We have you on our screen now. Please identify.

Ash: [trying to sound sincere] Shuttle Tydirium requesting deactivation of the deflector shield.

Commander: [over radio] Shuttle Tydirium, transmit the clearance code for shield passage.

Ash: Transmission commencing.

[Misteia and Churaicca listen nervously as the sounds of transmission is heard.]

Misteia: [sarcastically] Now we find out if that code is worth the price we paid.

Ash: [confidently] It'll work. It'll work.

[Churie whines nervously, and Bruke stares at the huge Super Star Destroyer that looms ever larger before them.]

Bruke:Vader's on that ship.

Ash: Now don't get jittery, Bruke. There are a lot of command ships. Keep your distance though, Churie, but don't look like you're trying to keep your distance.

Churie: Grawrowl!

Ash: I don't know. Fly casual!

Bruke: I'm endangering the mission, I shouldn't have come.

Ash: It's your imagination, kid. Come on. Let's keep a little optimism here.

SUPER STAR DESTROYER-BRIDGE

[Lord Vader walks up and looks out at the shuttle, and suddenly a thin tremor felt only by him causes him to whip around and go passed the row of controllers towards Admiral Piett, who straightens as Vader's approach.']

Vader: Where is that shuttle going?

Admiral Piett: [into comlink] Shuttle Tydirium, what is your cargo and destination?

Pilot's voice: [Ash's, digitally filtered] Parts and technical crew for the forest moon.

[The bridge commander looks to Vader for a reaction]

Vader:Do they have a code clearance?

Admiral Piett: It's an older code, sir, but it checks out. I was about to clear them.

[Vader looks upward, as he senses Bruke's presence.]

Admiral Piett: Shall I hold them?

Vader: No. Leave them to me. I will deal with them myself.

Admiral Piett: [surprised] As you wish, my lord. [to controller] Carry on. [he nods at the controller, who switches on his comlink.]

STOLEN IMPERIAL SHUTTLE-COCKPIT

[The crew wait in extremely tense silence]

Ash: [bumming] They're not goin' for it, Churie.

Controller: [over radio] Shuttle Tydirium, deactivation of the shield will commence immediately. Follow your present course.

[Everyone but Bruke, who looks suspicious and worried, breaths a huge sigh of relief.]

Ash: [cocky] Okay! I told you it was gonna work. No problem.

[Scene shows the shuttle fly off towards the softly glowing moon.]

FOREST LANDING SITE-ENDOR

[The stolen Imperial shuttle sits in a clearing of the moon's dark, primeval forest, dwarfed by the ancient towering trees.]

[On an adjacent hill, the helmeted Rebel contingent makes its way up a steep trail, cloaked in splotchy green they blended in perfectly. Ashton and Misteia are slightly ahead, as Bruke, Churie and the rest of the strike team follow, with the two poke'droids following. Chartoo beeps.]

[Up ahead, Ashton and Misteia reach a crest in the hill and drop down quickly, signaling the rest of the group to stop. Churie and Bruke crawl up to take a look.]

Togepio: Oh, I told you it was dangerous here.

[Not far below the Rebel troops, two Imperial Rocket scouts are wandering through the bushes in the valley below, their two rocket speeders are parked nearby.]

Misteia: should we try to go around?

Bruke: It'll take time.

Ash: This whole party'll be for nothing if they see us.

[Misteia motions for the squad to stay put, then she, Ashton, Bruke and Churie start quietly down.]

FOREST CLEARING-CAMPSITE

[The four friends make their way to the edge of the clearing not far from the Imperial Rocket scouts.]

Ash: Churie and I will take care of this. You stay here.

Bruke: Quietly, there might be more of them out there.

Ash: [grins a big cocky grin] Hey... it's me!

[Ashton and Churie turn and start through the bushes toward the scouts. Bruke and Misteia exchange worried looks.]

[Ashton sneaks up behind one of the scouts, but right before he can grab him, he step on a twig and the scout whips around and knocks the surprised Ash into a tree.]

Scout #1: Go for help! Go!

[The second scout jumps on his speeder and takes off, but Churie gets off a shot on his crossbow laser weapon, causing the scout to crash into a tree. Ashton and Scout #1 are in a rousing fistfight.]

Bruke: [sarcastically] Great! Come on.!

[Bruke runs towards the scuffle, followed by Misteia with her laser blaster drawn, and as they run through the foliage Misteia stops and points to where two scouts surge away on their speeders, with an unoccupied speeder parked nearby.]

Bruke: I see them! Wait, Leia!

[But Misteia doesn't hear him and races for the remaining speeder, she starts it up and takes off as Bruke leaps on the speeder behind her and they take off.]

Ash: Hey, wait! Ahhh! [He flips the remaining scout to the ground and puts him out of his misery.]

FOREST-SPEEDER CHASE

Bruke: [pointing to the controls] Quick! Jam their comlink. Center switch!

[Bruke and Misteia speed into the dense foliage in hot pursuit, barely avoiding two huge trees.]

[The two fleeing Imperial Rocket scouts have a good lead as Bruke and Misteia pursue through the giant trees at 200 miles an hour, the fire from their speeder's laser cannon hitting harmlessly near the moving targets.]

Bruke: Move closer!

[Misteia guns it, closing the gap, as the two scouts recklessly veer through a narrow gap in the trees. One of the speeders scrapes against a tree, slowing him down.]

Bruke: Get alongside that one!

[Leia pulls her speeder up so close to the scout's speeder that their steering vanes scrape noisily. Bruke leaps from his speeder to the back of the scout's, grabs the Imperial Rocket warrior around the neck, and flips him off the speeder, into a thick tree trunk, then gains control of the speeder and follows Misteia, who has pulled ahead. They tear off after the remaining scout.]