79 EXT ENDOR - RIDGE OVERLOOKING SHIELD GENERATOR 79

Han, Leia, Chewbacca, the droids, Wicket, and another Ewok scout,

PAPLOO, hide on a ridge overlooking the massive Imperial shield

generator. At the base of the generator is an Imperial landing

platform. Leia studies the installation.

LEIA

The main entrance to the control bunker's on

the far side of that landing platform. This

isn't gonna be easy.

HAN

Hey, don't worry. Chewie and me got into a

lot of places more heavily guarded than this.

Wicket and Paploo are chattering away in Ewok language. They

speak to Threepio.

LEIA

What's he saying?

THREEPIO

He says there's a secret entrance on the

other side of the ridge.

80 EXT SPACE - REBEL FLEET 80

The vast fleet hangs in space near a blue planet. A giant Rebel

Star Cruiser is up at the front, but now the Millennium Flacon

roars up to a spot ahead of it, tiny in comparison.

81 INT MILLENNIUM FALCON - COCKPIT 81

Lando is in the pilot seat. His alien copilot, NIEN NUNB, takes

some getting used to in the familiar environs of the Falcon's

cockpit. Lando speaks into his comlink.

LANDO

Admiral, we're in position. All fighters

accounted for.

ACKBAR (VO)

Proceed with the countdown. All groups assume

attack coordinates.

Lando turns to his weird copilot.

LANDO

Don't worry, my friends are down there.

They'll have that shield down on time...(to

himself) or this'll be the shortest offensive

of all time.

The copilot flips some switches and grunts an alien comment.

ACKBAR (VO)

All craft, prepare to jump to hyperspace on

my mark.

LANDO

All right. Stand by.

He pulls a lever, and the stars outside begin to streak.

82 EXT SPACE - REBEL FLEET 82

We are treated to an awesome sight: first the Millennium Falcon,

then Ackbar's Star Cruiser, then, in large segments, the huge

fleet ROARS INTO HYPERSPACE. And disappears.

83 EXT ENDOR - RIDGE OVERLOOKING CONTROL BUNKER 83

Han, Leia, Chewie, the droids, and their two Ewok guides, Wicket

and Paploo, have reunited with the Rebel strike squad. The entire

group is spread through the thick undergrowth. Below them is the

BUNKER that leads into the generator. Four Imperial scouts, their

speeder bikes parked nearby, keep watch over the bunker entrance.

Chewie growls an observation, and Paploo chatters away to Han in

Ewok language.

HAN

Back door, huh? Good idea.

Wicket and Paploo continue their Ewok conversation.

HAN (cont)

It's only a few guards. This shouldn't be too

much trouble.

LEIA

Well, it only takes one to sound the alarm.

HAN (with self-confident grin)

Then we'll do it real quiet-like.

Threepio explains what is going on to Wicket and Paploo. The

Ewoks chatter a moment between themselves. Then Paploo jumps up

and scampers into the underbrush.

Threepio asks Wicket where Paploo went and is given a short

reply.

THREEPIO

Oh! Oh, my. Uh, Princess Leia!

LEIA

Quiet.

THREEPIO

I'm afraid our furry companion has gone and

done something rather rash.

LEIA

Oh, no.

84 EXT BUNKER - ENTRANCE 84

Paploo has slipped out of the undergrowth near where the Imperial

scouts are lounging. He silently swings his furry ball of a body

onto one of the scout's speeder bikes and begins flipping

switches at random. Suddenly, the bike's engine fires up with a

tremendous ROAR. Paploo grins and continues flipping switches.

The scouts leap up in surprise.

85 EXT RIDGE 85

Han, Leia and company watch in distress. Chewie barks.

HAN (sighs)

There goes our surprise attack.

86 EXT BUNKER 86

The Imperial scouts race toward Paploo just as his speeder zooms

into motion. Paploo hangs on by his paws and shoots away into the

forest.

SCOUT

Look! Over there! Stop him!

Three of the Imperial scouts jump on their rocket bikes and speed

away in pursuit. The fourth watches them go from his post at the

door.

87 EXT RIDGE 87

Han, Leia, and Chewie exchange delighted looks.

HAN

Not bad for a little furball. There's only

one left. You stay here. We'll take care of

this.

Han and the Wookiee nod at each other and slip down toward the

bunker. Threepio moves to stand next to Wicket and Artoo.

THREEPIO

I have decided that we shall stay here.

88 EXT FOREST 88

Paploo sails through the trees, more lucky than in control. It's

scary, but he loves it. When the Imperial scouts pull within

sight behind him and begin firing laser bolts, he decides he's

had enough. As he rounds a tree, out of their sight, Paploo grabs

a vine and swings up into the trees. A moment later, the scouts

tear under him in pursuit of the still-flying, unoccupied bike.

89 EXT BUNKER 89

Han sneaks up behind the remaining Imperial scout, taps him on

the shoulder and lets the scout chase him behind the bunker into

the arms of the waiting Rebel strike team. Han returns to the

front, and taps out a pattern on the bunker door's control panel.

Everyone stands out of sight, police-style, as the door opens.

Han and Leia peek inside. No sign of life. The group enters the

bunker silently, leaving one lookout behind.

90 INT DEATH STAR - EMPEROR'S THRONE ROOM 90

The elevator opens. Vader and Luke enter the room alone. They

walk across the dark space to stand before the throne, father and

son side by side beneath the gaze of the Emperor. Vader bows to

his Master.

EMPEROR

Welcome, young Skywalker. I have been

expecting you.

Luke peers at the hooded figure defiantly. The Emperor then looks

down at Luke's binders.

EMPEROR

You no longer need those.

The Emperor motions ever so slightly with his finger and Luke's

binders fall away, clattering to the floor. Luke looks down at

his own hands, free now to reach out and grab the Emperor's neck.

He does nothing.

EMPEROR

Guards, leave us.

The red-cloaked guards turn and disappear behind the elevator.

EMPEROR (to Luke)

I'm looking forward to completing your

training. In time you will call me Master.

LUKE

You're gravely mistaken. You won't convert me

as you did my father.

The Emperor gets down from his throne and walks up very close to

Luke. The Emperor looks into his eyes and, for the first time,

Luke can perceive the evil visage within the hood.

EMPEROR

Oh, no, my young Jedi. You will find that it

is you who are mistaken...about a great

many things.

VADER

His lightsaber.

Vader extends a gloved hand toward the Emperor, revealing Luke's

lightsaber. The Emperor takes it.

EMPEROR

Ah, yes, a Jedi's weapon. Much like your

father's. By now you must know your father

can never be turned from the dark side. So

will it be with you.

LUKE

You're wrong. Soon I'll be dead...and you

with me.

The Emperor laughs.

EMPEROR

Perhaps you refer to the imminent attack of

your Rebel fleet.

Luke looks up sharply.

EMPEROR

Yes...I assure you we are quite safe from

your friends here.

Vader looks at Luke.

LUKE

Your overconfidence is your weakness.

EMPEROR

Your faith in your friends is yours.

VADER

It is pointless to resist, my son.

The Emperor turns to face Luke.

EMPEROR (angry)

Everything that has transpired has done so

according to my design. (indicates Endor)

Your friends up there on the Sanctuary

Moon...

Luke reacts. The Emperor notes it.

EMPEROR (cont)

...are walking into a trap. As is your Rebel

fleet! It was I who allowed the Alliance to

know the location of the shield generator. It

is quite safe from your pitiful little band.

An entire legion of my best troops awaits

them.

Luke's look darts from the Emperor to Vader and, finally, to the

sword in the Emperor's hand.

EMPEROR

Oh...I'm afraid the deflector shield will be

quite operational when your friends arrive.

91 INT BUNKER - MAIN CONTROL ROOM 91

Han, Leia, Chewie, and the Rebel strike team storm through a door

and enter the main control room, taking all of the personnel

prisoner.

HAN

All right! Up! Move! Come on! Quickly!

Quickly, Chewie.

The Rebel troops herd the generator controllers away from their

panels. Leia glances at one of the screens on the control panel.

LEIA

Han! Hurry! The fleet will be here any

moment.

HAN

Charges! Come on, come on!

Outside, Threepio watches nervously in the bushes as several more

controllers and stormtroopers run into the bunker, leaving guards

at the door.

THREEPIO (to Wicket)

Oh, my! They'll be captured!

Wicket chatters in Ewok language, and then takes off full steam

into the forest.

THREEPIO

Wa-wait! Wait, come back! Artoo, stay with

me.

Inside the bunker, Han looks up from setting charges as an

Imperial commander enters.

COMMANDER

Freeze! You Rebel scum.

Han and Leia spin, to find dozens of Imperial weapons trained on

them and their cohorts. A poised force of Imperial troops

surround them. Even more pour into the room, roughly disarming

the Rebel contingent. Han, Leia, and Chewie exchange looks.

They're helpless.

92 EXT SPACE - ENDOR, DEATH STAR, REBEL FLEET 92

The Death Star and its Sanctuary Moon hang distant in space as

the Rebel fleet comes out of hyperspace with an awesome roar. The

Millennium Falcon and several Rebel fighters are at the front as

the space armada bears down on its target.

93 INT MILLENNIUM FALCON - COCKPIT 93

Lando flips switches, checks his screen, and speaks into the

radio.

LANDO

All wings report in.

WEDGE

Red Leader standing by.

GRAY LEADER

Gray Leader standing by.

GREEN LEADER

Green Leader standing by.

WEDGE

Lock S-foils in attack positions.

94 INT REBEL STAR CRUISER - BRIDGE 94

From the bridge of the Rebel Headquarters Frigate, Admiral Ackbar

watches the fighters massing outside his viewscreen.

ACKBAR

May the Force be with us.

95 INT MILLENNIUM FALCON - COCKPIT 95

Lando looks worriedly at his alien copilot, Nien Nunb, who points

to the control panel and talks to Lando.

LANDO

We've got to be able to get some kind of a

reading on that shield, up or down. Well, how

could they be jamming us if they don't know

if we're coming.

Lando shoots a concerned look out at the approaching Death Star

as the implications of what he's just said sink in. He hits a

switch on his comlink.

LANDO

Break off the attack! The shield is still up.

RED LEADER (VO)

I get no reading. Are you sure?

LANDO

Pull up! All craft pull up!

The Falcon turns hard to the left. Out the window the stars and

the Death Star move off right.

96 EXT SPACE - DEATH STAR SHIELD 96

The Falcon and the fighters of Red Squad veer off desperately to

avoid the unseen wall.

97 INT REBEL STAR CRUISER - BRIDGE 97

Alarms are screaming and lights flashing as the huge ship changes

course abruptly. Other ships in the fleet shoot by outside as the

armada tries to halt its forward momentum.

ACKBAR

Take evasive action! Green Group, stick close

to holding sector MV-7.

A Mon Calamari controller turns away from his screen and calls

out to Ackbar, quite excited. The Admiral rushes over to the

controller.

CONTROLLER

Admiral, we have enemy ships in sector 47.

On the screen can be seen the moon, Death Star, and the massive

Imperial fleet. Ackbar moves to the comlink.

ACKBAR

It's a trap!

LANDO (over comlink)

Fighters coming in.

There is much excitement on the bridge as the attack begins.

The Millennium Falcon and several squads of Rebel fighters head

into an armada of TIE fighters. The sky explodes as a fierce

dogfight ensues in and around the giant Rebel cruisers.

REBEL PILOT

There's too many of them!

LANDO

Accelerate to attack speed! Draw their fire

away from the cruisers.

WEDGE

Copy, Gold Leader.

The battle continues around the giant cruisers.

98 INT DEATH STAR - EMPEROR'S THRONE ROOM 98

Through the round window behind the Emperor's throne can be seen

the distant flashes of the space battle in progress.

EMPEROR

Come, boy. See for yourself.

The Emperor is sitting in his throne, with Vader standing at his

side. Luke moves to look through a small section of the window.

EMPEROR

From here you will witness the final

destruction of the Alliance, and the end of

your insignificant Rebellion.

Luke is in torment. He glances at his lightsaber sitting on the

armrest of the throne. The Emperor watches him and smiles,

touches the lightsaber.

EMPEROR

You want this, don't you? The hate is

swelling in you now. Take your Jedi weapon.

Use it. I am unarmed. Strike me down with it.

Give in to your anger. With each passing

moment, you make yourself more my servant.

Vader watches Luke in his agony.

LUKE

No!

EMPEROR

It is unavoidable. It is your destiny. You,

like your father, are now mine!

99 EXT FOREST - GENERATOR BUNKER 99

Han, Leia, Chewie, and the rest of the strike team are led out of

the bunker by their captors. The surrounding area, deserted

before, is now crowded with two-legged Imperial walkers and

hundreds of Imperial troops. The situation looks hopeless.

STORMTROOPER

All right, move it! I said move it! Go on!

From the undergrowth beyond the clearing comes a wild series of

beeps and whistles. And --

THREEPIO

Hello! I say, over there! Were you looking

for me?

BUNKER COMMANDER

Bring those two down here!

STORMTROOPER

Let's go!

Artoo and Threepio are standing near one of the big trees. As six

Imperial stormtroopers rush over to take them captive, the two

droids duck out of sight behind the tree.

THREEPIO

Well, they're on their way. Artoo, are you

sure this was a good idea?

STORMTROOPER

Freeze! Don't move!

THREEPIO

We surrender.

The stormtroopers come around the tree and find the two droids

waiting quietly to be taken. As the Imperial troops move to do

that, however, a band of Ewoks drops down from above and

overpowers them.

THREEPIO

Ohhh! Stand back, Artoo.

In a nearby tree, an Ewok raises a horn to his lips and sounds

the EWOK ATTACK CALL. All hell breaks loose as hundreds of Ewoks

throw their fuzzy bodies into the fray against the assembled

stormtroopers and their awesome two-legged walkers.

Biker scouts dart about blasting Ewoks, only to be crushed by a

volley of rocks tossed by Ewoks from the trees above.

In the confusion of the battle, Han and Leia break away and dive

for the cover of the bunker door as explosions erupt around them.

Han goes to the bunker door control panel.

LEIA

The code's changed. We need Artoo!

HAN

Here's the terminal.

LEIA (into comlink)

Artoo, where are you? We need you at the

bunker right away.

Artoo and Threepio are hiding behind a log as the battle rages

around them. Suddenly the stubby little astrodroid lets out a

series of whistles and shoots off across the battlefield.

Threepio, panicked, runs after him.

THREEPIO

Going? What do you mean, you're going. But--

but going where, Artoo? No, what! Artoo! Oh,

this is no time for heroics. Come back!

Biker scouts race around and over the two droids, blasting away

at the little Ewoks as the furries scurry for cover.

A group of Ewoks have moved a primitive catapult into position.

They fire off a large boulder that hits one of the walkers. The

walker turns and heads for the catapult, blasting away with both

guns. The Ewoks abandon their weapons and flee in all directions.

Just as the walker moves in to stomp the catapult, Ewoks drop

vines restraining two huge logs that swing down and smash the

walker's head flat.

A line of Ewoks hang desperately to a vine that is hooked to a

walker's foot. As the walker moves along, the fuzzy creatures are

dragged behind.

Two speeder bikes chase Ewoks through the underbrush. As the

scouts round a tree, they are knocked off their bikes by a vine

tied between two trees.

100 EXT SPACE 100

The Falcon and other Rebel fighters are engaged in a ferocious

combat with Imperial TIE fighters, the battle raging around the

cruisers of the Rebel armada.

101 INT MILLENNIUM FALCON - COCKPIT 101

Lando is in radio communication with the pilots of the other

Rebel squads.

LANDO

Watch yourself, Wedge! Three from above!

WEDGE

Red Three, Red Two, pull in!

RED TWO

Got it!

RED THREE

Three of them coming in, twenty degrees!

WEDGE

Cut to the left! I'll take the leader!

They're heading for the medical frigate.

Lando steers the Falcon through a complete flip, as his crew

fires at the TIEs from the belly guns.

NAVIGATOR

Pressure's steady.

The copilot Nien Nunb chatters an observation.

LANDO

Only the fighters are attacking. I wonder

what those Star Destroyers are waiting for.

102 EXT SPACE - IMPERIAL FLEET 102

The giant Imperial Star Destroyer waits silently some distance

from the battle. The Emperor's huge Super Star Destroyer rests in

the middle of the fleet.

103 INT SUPER STAR DESTROYER - BRIDGE 103

Admiral Piett and two fleet commanders watch the battle at the

huge window of the Super Star Destroyer bridge.

COMMANDER

We're in attack position now, sir.

PIETT

Hold here.

COMMANDER

We're not going to attack?

PIETT

I have my orders from the Emperor himself. He

has something special planned for them. We

only need to keep them from escaping.

104 INT EMPEROR'S TOWER - THRONE ROOM 104

The Emperor, Vader, and a horrified Luke watch the aerial battle

fireworks out the window and on the viewscreens. Another Rebel

ship explodes against the protective shield.

EMPEROR

As you can see, my young apprentice, your

friends have failed. Now witness the

firepower of this fully armed and operational

battle station. (into comlink) Fire at will,

Commander.

Luke, in shock, looks out across the surface of the Death Star to

the Rebel fleet beyond.

105 INT DEATH STAR - CONTROL ROOM 105

Controllers pull back on several switches. Commander Jerjerrod

stands over them.

JERJERROD

Fire!

106 INT DEATH STAR - BLAST CHAMBER 106

A button is pressed, which switches on a panel of lights.

A hooded Imperial soldier reaches overhead and pulls a lever. A

huge beam of light emanates from a long shaft. Two stormtroopers

stand to one side at a control panel.

107 EXT DEATH STAR 107

The giant laser dish on the completed half of the Death Star

begins to glow; Then a powerful beams shoots out toward the

aerial battle.

108 EXT SPACE - AIR BATTLE 108

The air is thick with giant ships. In among them, Rebel X-wings

dogfight with Imperial TIE fighters. Now an enormous Rebel

cruiser is hit by the Death Star beam and is blown to dust.

The Millennium Falcon roars over CAMERA, followed closely by

several TIE fighters.

109 INT MILLENNIUM FALCON - COCKPIT 109

The ship is buffeted by the tremendous explosion of the Rebel

cruiser. Lando and his copilot are stunned by the sight of the

Death Star firepower.

LANDO

That blast came from the Death Star! That

thing's operational! (into comlink) Home One,

this is Gold Leader.

110 INT REBEL STAR CRUISER - BRIDGE 110

Ackbar stands amid the confusion on the wide bridge and speaks

into the comlink.

ACKBAR

We saw it. All craft prepare to retreat.

LANDO

You won't get another chance at this,

Admiral.

ACKBAR

We have no choice, General Calrissian. Our

cruisers can't repel firepower of that

magnitude.

LANDO

Han will have that shield down. We've got to

give him more time.

111 EXT FOREST - GENERATOR BUNKER 111

Artoo and Threepio make it to the door, as Han and Leia provide

cover fire.

THREEPIO

We're coming!

HAN

Come on! Come on!

THREEPIO

Oh, Artoo, hurry!

The little droid moves to the terminal and plugs in his computer

arm. A large explosion hits near Artoo, knocking him head over

heels, finally landing on his feet. The stubby astrodroid's

head is spinning and smoldering. Suddenly there is a loud

SPROOING and Han and Leia turn around to see Artoo with all his

compartment doors open, and all of his appendages sticking out;

water and smoke spurt out of the nozzles in his body. Han rushes

to the terminal, as Threepio rushes to his wounded companion.

THREEPIO

My goodness! Artoo, why did you have to be so

brave?

HAN

Well, I suppose I could hotwire this thing.

LEIA

I'll cover you.

Ewoks in handmade, primitive hanggliders drop rocks onto the

stormtroopers, dive-bombing their deadly adversaries. One is hit

in the wing with laser fire and crashes. A walker lumbers

forward, shooting laser blasts at frantic Ewoks running in all

directions. Two Ewoks are struck down by laser blasts. One

tries to awaken his friend, then realizes that he is dead.

112 EXT SPACE - DEATH STAR 112

The Rebel fleet continues to be picked off, from one side by the

Death Star's deadly beam, from the other by the rampaging

Imperial Star Destroyers.

113 INT MILLENNIUM FALCON - COCKPIT 113

Lando steers the Falcon wildly through an obstacle course of

floating giants. He's been yelling into the comlink.

LANDO (desperately)

Yes! I said closer! Move as close as you can

and engage those Star Destroyers at point-

blank range.

ACKBAR

At that close range, we won't last long

against those Star Destroyers.

LANDO

We'll last longer then we will against that

Death Star...and we might just take a few of

them with us.

The Rebel cruisers move very close to the Imperial Star

Destroyers and begin to blast away at point-blank range. Tiny

fighters race across the giant surfaces, against a backdrop of

laser fire.

The control tower of a Star Destroyer is under attack.

REBEL PILOT

She's gonna blow!

Y-WING PILOT

I'm hit!

The damaged Y-wing plummets toward the Star Destroyer, and

crashes into the control tower, exploding.

114 INT EMPEROR'S TOWER - THRONE ROOM 114

Out of the window and on the view screens, the Rebel fleet is

being decimated in blinding explosions of light and debris. But

in here there is no sound of battle. The Emperor turns to Luke.

EMPEROR

Your fleet has lost. And your friends on the

Endor moon will not survive. There is no

escape, my young apprentice. The Alliance

will die...as will your friends.

Luke's eyes are full of rage. Vader watches him.

EMPEROR

Good. I can feel your anger. I am

defenseless. Take your weapon! Strike me

down with all your hatred, and your journey

towards the dark side will be complete.

Luke can resist no longer. The lightsaber flies into his hand. He

ignites it in an instant and swings at the Emperor. Vader's

lightsaber flashes into view, blocking Luke's blow before it can

reach the Emperor. The two blades spark at contact. Luke turns to

fight his father.

115 EXT FOREST 115

The battle rages on. Stormtroopers fire on Ewoks with

sophisticated weapons while their furry little adversaries sneak

up behind the Imperial troopers and bash them over the head with

large clubs.

A walker marches through the undergrowth blasting Ewoks as it

goes. An Ewok warrior gives the signal, and a pile of logs is cut

loose. The logs tumble under the walker's feet, causing it to

slip and slide until it finally topples over with a great crash.

A scout bike races past and is lassoed with a heavy vine. The

other end of the vine is tied to a tree, and the bike swings

around in ever-tightening circles until it runs out of rope and

crashes into the trees with a huge explosion.

Chewie swings on a vine to the roof of one of the walkers. Two

Ewoks cling to him. They land with a thud on the top of the

lurching machine, then hang on for dear life. One of the Ewoks

peeks through the window.

WALKER PILOT #1

Look!

PILOT #2

Get him off of there!

The walker pilot opens the hatch to see what's going on. He is

yanked out and tossed overboard before he can scream. The two

Ewoks jump into the cockpit and knock the second pilot

unconscious. The Ewoks are thrown violently as the mighty machine

careens out of control. Outside, Chewie is almost knocked

overboard; he sticks his head into the hatch with a series of

angry barks. The Ewoks are too busy and frightened to listen to

the Wookiee's complaint. Chewie slips inside the walker.

Chewbacca's walker moves through the forest, firing laser blasts

at unsuspecting stormtroopers, and destroying other Imperial

walkers. The Ewoks shout and cheer as the giant machine helps

turn the tide of the battle in their favor.

116 EXT FOREST - GENERATOR BUNKER 116

Han works furiously at the control panel; wires spark as he

attempts to hotwire the door. He motions to Leia, who is blasting

away at some stormtroopers.

HAN

I think I got it. I got it!

The three wires spark as the connection is made. With a LOUD

WHOOSH, a second blast door crashes down in front of the first.

Han frowns and turns back to the wires again. Leia exchanges

shots with stormtroopers in the bushes, then suddenly cries out

in pain, her shoulder hit by a laser blast.

THREEPIO

Oh, Princess Leia, are you all right?

HAN

Let's see.

LEIA

It's not bad.

STORMTROOPER (OS)

Freeze!

They freeze.

THREEPIO

Oh, dear.

STORMTROOPER

Don't move!

Leia holds her laser gun ready, behind Han, out of view of the

two stormtroopers moving toward them. Han and Leia's eyes lock;

the moment seems suspended in time.

HAN

I love you.

Another shared look between them, as she smiles up at Han.

LEIA

I know.

STORMTROOPER

Hands up! Stand up!

Han stands up slowly and turns, revealing the gun in Leia's hand.

She disposes of the stormtroopers in a flash. As Han turns back

toward Leia, he looks up to see a giant walker approach and stand

before him, its deadly weapons aimed right at him.

HAN (to Leia)

Stay back.

The hatch on top of the walker opens and Chewie sticks his head

out and barks triumphantly.

HAN

Chewie! Get down here! She's wounded! No,

wait.... I got an idea.

117 INT EMPEROR'S TOWER - THRONE ROOM 117

Luke and Vader are engaged in a man-to-man duel of lightsabers

even more vicious then the battle on Bespin. But the young Jedi

has grown stronger in the interim, and now the advantage shifts

to him. Vader is forced back, losing his balance, and is knocked

down the stairs. Luke stands at the top of the stairs, ready to

attack.

EMPEROR (laughing)

Good. Use your aggressive feelings, boy! Let

the hate flow through you.

Luke looks momentarily toward the Emperor, then back to Vader,

and realizes he is using the dark side. He steps back, turns off

his lightsaber, and relaxes, driving the hate from his being.

VADER

Obi-Wan has taught you well.

LUKE

I will not fight you, father.

Vader walks back up the stairs to Luke.

VADER

You are unwise to lower your defenses.

Vader attacks, forcing Luke on the defensive. The young Jedi

leaps in an amazing reverse flip up to the safety of the catwalk

overhead. Vader stands below him.

LUKE

Your thoughts betray you, father. I feel the

good in you...the conflict.

VADER

There is no conflict.

LUKE

You couldn't bring yourself to kill me

before, and I don't believe you'll destroy me

now.

VADER

You underestimate the power of the dark side.

If you will not fight, then you will meet

your destiny.

Vader throws the laser sword and it cuts through the supports

holding the catwalk, then returns to Vader's hand. Luke tumbles

to the ground in a shower of sparks and rolls out of sight under

the Emperor's platform. Vader moves to find him.

EMPEROR (laughs)

Good. Good.

118 EXT SPACE - AIR BATTLE 118

The two armadas, like their sea-bound ancestors, blast away at

each other in individual point-blank confrontations. A Star

Destroyer explodes. The Rebel victor limps away, its back half

alive with a series of minor explosions. The Rebel cruiser

manages to move in next to a second Star Destroyer before it

explodes completely, taking the Imperial Star Destroyer with it.

The Falcon and several fighters attack one of the larger Imperial

ships.

LANDO

Watch out. Squad at .06.

REBEL PILOT

I'm on it, Gold Leader.

WEDGE

Good shot, Red Two.

LANDO

Now...come on, Han, old buddy. Don't let me

down.

119 INT BUNKER - CONTROL ROOM 119

Controllers watch the main viewscreen on which a vague figure of

an Imperial walker pilot can be seen. There is a great deal of

static and interference.

HAN/PILOT (VO)

It's over, Commander. The Rebels have been

routed. They're fleeing into the woods. We

need reinforcements to continue the pursuit.

The controllers cheer.

CONTROL ROOM COMMANDER

Send three squads to help. Open the back

door.

SECOND COMMANDER

Yes, sir.

120 EXT FOREST - GENERATOR BUNKER 120

As the door to the bunker opens and the Imperial troops rush out,

they're surprised to find themselves surrounded by Rebels, their

weapons pointed at them. Ewoks holding bows and arrows appear on

the roof of the bunker. The Imperial troops throw down their guns

as Han and Chewie rush inside the bunker with explosive charges.

121 INT BUNKER - CONTROL ROOM 121

Han, Chewie, and several troops rush into the control room and

plant explosive charges on the control panels and rush out.

HAN

Throw me another charge.

122 INT EMPEROR'S TOWER - THRONE ROOM 122

Vader stalks the low-ceilinged area on the level below the

throne, searching for Luke in the semi-darkness, his lightsaber

held ready.

VADER

You cannot hide forever, Luke.

LUKE

I will not fight you.

VADER

Give yourself to the dark side. It is the

only way you can save your friends. Yes, your

thoughts betray you. Your feelings for them

are strong. Especially for...

Vader stops and senses something. Luke shuts his eyes tightly, in

anguish.

VADER

Sister! So...you have a twin sister. Your

feelings have now betrayed her, too. Obi-Wan

was wise to hide her from me. Now his failure

is complete. If you will not turn to the dark

side, then perhaps she will.

LUKE

Never-r-r!

Luke ignites his lightsaber and screams in anger, rushing at his

father with a frenzy we have not seen before. Sparks fly as Luke

and Vader fight in the cramped area. Luke's hatred forces Vader

to retreat out of the low area and across a bridge overlooking a

vast elevator shaft. Each stroke of Luke's sword drives his

father further toward defeat.

The Dark Lord is knocked to his knees, and as he raises his sword

to block another onslaught, Luke slashes Vader's right hand off

at the wrist, causing metal and electronic parts to fly from the

mechanical stump. Vader's sword clatters uselessly away, over the

edge of the platform and into the bottomless shaft below. Luke

moves over Vader and holds the blade of his sword to the Dark

Lord's throat. The Emperor watches with uncontrollable, pleased

agitation.

EMPEROR

Good! Your hate has made you powerful. Now,

fulfill your destiny and take your father's

place at my side!

Luke looks at his father's mechanical hand, then to his own

mechanical, black-gloved hand, and realizes how much he is

becoming like his father. He makes the decision for which he

has spent a lifetime in preparation. Luke steps back and hurls

his lightsaber away.

LUKE

Never! I'll never turn to the dark side.

You've failed, Your Highness. I am a Jedi,

like my father before me.

The Emperor's glee turns to rage.

EMPEROR

So be it...Jedi.

123 EXT FOREST - GENERATOR BUNKER 123

Han and several of the fighters run out of the bunker and race

across the clearing.

HAN

Move! Move!

A shock wave knocks them flat as the bunker explodes, followed by

a spectacular display as the huge shield-generator radar dish

explodes along with the bunker.

124 INT REBEL STAR CRUISER - BRIDGE 124

Ackbar, sitting in his control chair, speaks into the radio.

ACKBAR

The shield is down! Commence attack on the

Death Star's main reactor.

LANDO

We're on our way. Red Group, Gold Group, all

fighters follow me. (laughs) Told you they'd

do it!

The Falcon, followed by several smaller Rebel fighters, heads

toward the unfinished superstructure of the Death Star.

125 INT EMPEROR'S TOWER - THRONE ROOM 125

Luke stands still, as the Emperor reaches the bottom of the

stairs. The Emperor's laughter has turned to anger. He raises his

arms toward Luke.

EMPEROR

If you will not be turned, you will be

destroyed.

Blinding bolts of energy, evil lightning, shoot from the

Emperor's hands at Luke. Even in his surprise, the young Jedi

tries to use the Force to deflect them. At first he is half

successful, but after a moment the bolts of energy are coming

with such speed and power the young Jedi shrinks before them, his

knees buckling. The wounded Vader struggles to his feet, and

moves to stand at his master's side.

EMPEROR

Young fool...only now, at the end, do you

understand.

Luke is almost unconscious beneath the continuing assault of the

Emperor's lightning. He clutches a canister to keep from falling

into the bottomless shaft as the bolts tear through him.

EMPEROR

Your feeble skills are no match for the power

of the dark side. You have paid the price for

your lack of vision.

Luke writhes on the floor in unbearable pain, reaching weakly up

toward where Vader stands watching.

LUKE (groans)

Father, please. Help me.

Again Vader stands, watching Luke. He looks at his master, the

Emperor, then back to Luke on the floor.

EMPEROR

Now, young Skywalker...you will die.

Although it would not have seemed possible, the outpouring of

bolts from the Emperor's fingers actually increases in intensity,

the sound screaming through the room. Luke's body writhes in

pain.

Vader grabs the Emperor from behind, fighting for control of the

robed figure despite the Dark Lord's weakened body and gravely

weakened arm. The Emperor struggles in his embrace, his bolt-

shooting hands now lifted high, away from Luke. Now the white

lightning arcs back to strike at Vader. He stumbles with his load

as the sparks rain off his helmet and flow down over his black

cape. He holds his evil master high over his head and walks to

the edge of the abyss at the central core of the throne room. With

one final burst of his once awesome strength, Darth Vader hurls

the Emperor's body into the bottomless shaft.

The Emperor's body spins helplessly into the void, arcing as it

falls into the abyss. Finally, when the body is far down the

shaft, it explodes, creating a rush of air through the room.

Vader's cape is whipped by the wind and he staggers, and

collapses toward the bottomless hole. Luke crawls to his father's

side and pulls him away from the edge of the abyss to safety.

Both the young Jedi and the giant warrior are too weak to move.

126 EXT/INT - SPACE BATTLE - FIGHTER AND DEATH STAR 126

Rebel fighters follow the Falcon across the surface of the Death

Star to the unfinished portion, where they dive into the super-

structure of the giant battle station, followed by many TIE

fighters.

WEDGE

I'm going in.

LANDO

Here goes nothing.

Three X-wings lead the chase through the ever-narrowing shaft,

followed by the Falcon and four other fighters, plus TIE fighters

who continually fire at the Rebels. Lights reflect off the

pilot's faces as they race through the dark shaft.

LANDO

Now lock onto the strongest power source. It

should be the power generator.

WEDGE

Form up. And stay alert. We could run out of

space real fast.

The fighters and the Falcon race through the tunnel, still

pursued by the TIE fighters. One of the X-wings is hit from

behind and explodes.

LANDO

Split up and head back to the surface. See if

you can get a few of those TIE fighters to

follow you.

PILOT

Copy, Gold Leader.

The Rebel ships peel off pursued by three of the TIE's, while

Lando and Wedge continue through the main tunnel. It narrows, and

the Falcon scrapes the side dangerously. Two other TIE fighters

continue to blast away at them.

LANDO

That was too close.

Nien Nunb agrees. The battle between the Rebel and Imperial fleet

rages on. Several cruisers fire at the giant Super Star

Destroyer.

127 INT REBEL STAR CRUISER - BRIDGE 127

ACKBAR

We've got to give those fighters more time.

Concentrate all fire on that Super Star

Destroyer.

X-wings pilots head across the surface of the huge battleship.

128 INT VADER'S STAR DESTROYER - BRIDGE 128

Admiral Piett and a commander stand at the window, looking out to

the battle. They look concerned.

CONTROLLER

Sir, we've lost our bridge deflector shield.

PIETT

Intensify the forward batteries. I don't want

anything to get through.

The commander is looking out of the window where a damaged Rebel

fighter is out of control and heading directly toward the bridge.

PIETT

Intensify forward firepower!

COMMANDER

It's too late!

The Rebel pilot screams as his ship hits the Star Destroyer,

causing a huge explosion. The giant battle ship loses control,

crashes into the Death Star, and explodes.

129 INT REBEL STAR CRUISER - BRIDGE 129

There is excitement on the bridge as the battle rages on all

sides. They cheer as the giant Star Destroyer blows up.

130 INT DEATH STAR - MAIN DOCKING BAY 130

Chaos. For the first time, the Death Star is rocked by explosions

as the Rebel fleet, no longer backed against a wall, zooms over,

unloading a heavy barrage. Imperial troops run in all directions,

confused and desperate to escape.