Forest, Imperial Landing Platform: An Imperial shuttle floats down from the Death Star and lands gracefully on the huge platform.
Now, an Imperial walker approaches the platform from the darkness of the forest. The whole outpost - platform, walkers, military - looks particularly offensive in the midst of this verdant beauty.
Platform Lower Deck: Darth Vader walks down the ramp of the shuttle onto the platform, into an elevator, and appears on a ramp on a lower level. He walks toward another ramp exit and is met by two troopers and a commander with Luke, in binders, at their center.
The young Jedi gazes at Vader with complete calm.
COMMANDER: This is a Rebel that surrendered to us. Although he denies it, I believe there may be more of them, and I request permission to conduct a further search of the area.
The commander extends his hand, revealing Luke's lightsaber.
COMMANDER: He was armed only with this.
Vader looks at Luke, turns away and faces the commander, taking the lightsaber from the commander's hand.
VADER: Good work, Commander. Leave us. Conduct your search and bring his companions to me.
COMMANDER: Yes, my Lord.
The officer and troops withdraw. Vader and Luke are left standing alone in the oddly tranquil beauty of the place. The sounds of the forest filter in upon them.
VADER: The Emperor has been expecting you.
LUKE: I know, father.
VADER: So, you have accepted the truth.
LUKE: I've accepted the truth that you were once Anakin Skywalker, my father.
VADER (turning to face him): That name no longer has any meaning for me.
LUKE: It is the name of your true self. You've only forgotten. I know there is good in you. The Emperor hasn't driven it from you fully. That is why you couldn't destroy me. That's why you won't bring me to your Emperor now.
Vader looks down from Luke to the lightsaber in his own black-gloved hand. He seems to ponder Luke's words.
VADER (indicating lightsaber): I see you have constructed a new lightsaber.
Vader ignites the lightsaber and holds it to examine its humming, brilliant blade.
VADER: Your skills are complete. Indeed, you are powerful, as the Emperor has foreseen.
They stand for a moment, the Vader extinguishes the lightsaber.
LUKE: Come with me.
VADER: Obi-Wan once thought as you do.
Luke steps close to Vader, then stops. Vader is still.
VADER: You don't know the power of the dark side. I must obey my master.
LUKE: I will not turn...and you'll be forced to kill me.
VADER: If that is your destiny.
LUKE: Search your feelings, father. You can't do this. I feel the conflict within you. Let go of your hate.
VADER: It is too late for me, son. The Emperor will show you the true nature of the Force. He is your master now.
Vader signals to some distant stormtroopers. He and Luke stand staring at one another for a long moment.
LUKE: Then my father is truly dead.
Ridge Overlooking Shield Generator: 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.
Rebel Fleet: The vast fleet hangs in space near a blue planet. A giant Rebel Star Cruiser is up at the front, but now the Millennium Falcon roars up to a spot ahead of it, tiny in comparison.
Millennium Falcon Cockpit: 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 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 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.
Rebel Fleet: 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.
Ridge Overlooking the Control Bunker: 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.
Bunker Entrance: 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. Han, Leia and company watch in distress. Chewie barks.
HAN (sighs): There goes our surprise attack.
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. 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.
Forest: 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.
Bunker: 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.
Death Star, Emperor's Throne Room: 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.
Bunker Main Control Room: Han, Leia, Chewie, and the Rebel strike team storm through a door and enter the main control room, taking all of the personnel prisoner. The Rebel troops herd the generator controllers away from their panels. Leia glances at one of the screens on the control panel. Leia urges them to hurry, the moment.
Outside, Threepio watches nervously in the bushes as several more controllers and stormtroopers run into the bunker, leaving guards at the door. Wicket chatters in Ewok language, and then takes off full steam into the forest. Inside the bunker, Han looks up from setting charges as an Imperial commander enters.
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.
Rebel Fleet: 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.
Millennium Falcon Cockpit: Lando flips switches, checks his screen, and speaks into the radio. All wings report in and lock S-foils in attack positions.
Rebel Star Cruiser: From the bridge of the Rebel Headquarters Frigate, Admiral Ackbar watches the fighters massing outside his viewscreen. Ackbar, "May the Force be with us."
Millennium Falcon Cockpit: Lando looks worriedly at his alien copilot, Nien Nunb, who points to the control panel and talks to Lando. They are puzzled why they can't get some kind of a reading on that shield, up or down. They realize their sensors are being jammed.
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. They realize it's a trap, the shield is still up, and Lando orders to break off the attack. The Falcon turns hard to the left. Out the window the stars and the Death Star move off right.
Death Star Shield: The Falcon and the fighters of Red Squad veer off desperately to avoid the unseen wall.
Rebel Star Cruiser, Bridge: 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. They take evasive action. A Mon Calamari controller turns away from his screen and calls out to Ackbar, quite excited. The Admiral rushes over to the controller. He reports 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. Enemy 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. Lando orders the Fighter to accelerate to attack speed, draw their fire away from the cruisers. The battle continues around the giant cruisers.
Emperor's Throne Room: Through the round window behind the Emperor's throne can be seen the distant flashes of the space battle in progress. The Emperor is sitting in his throne, with Vader standing at his side. Luke moves to look through a small section of the window.
The Emperor gloats to Luke on the final destruction of the Alliance, and the end of their 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. The Emperor tempts him to take, to give in to his anger. Vader watches Luke in his agony.
Forest, Generator Bunker: 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. 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?" 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. 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. 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. Han and Leia need Artoo to decipher the code for the bunker's security door, they call him on a comlink. 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. 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.
Rebel Fleet: 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.
Millennium Falcon Cockpit: Lando is in radio communication with the pilots of the other Rebel squads. Lando barks battle strategies to the other fighers. Lando steers the Falcon through a complete flip, as his crew fires at the TIEs from the belly guns. The copilot Nien Nunb chatters an observation. They are puzzled why only the fighters are attack and the Star Destroyers remain out of the fight.
Imperial Fleet: 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.
Super Star Destroyer, Bridge: Admiral Piett and two fleet commanders watch the battle at the huge window of the Super Star Destroyer bridge. Piett orders the commander to hold, he has orders from the Emperor himself. He has something special planned for them. They only need to keep them from escaping.
Emperor's Tower, Throne Room: 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. The Emperor gloats over the Rebel's failure, then turns to the comlink and orders the commander to fire at will. The battle station is fully armed and operational. Luke, in shock, looks out across the surface of the Death Star to the Rebel fleet beyond.
Death Star Control Room: Controllers pull back on several switches to fire. Commander Jerjerrod stands over them.
Death Star Blast Chamber: 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. 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.
Air Battle: 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.
Millennium Falcon Cockpit: 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.
Rebel Star Cruiser, Bridge: Ackbar stands amid the confusion on the wide bridge and speaks into the comlink. He orders all to prepare to retreat. Lando, "You won't get another chance at this, Admiral." Ackbar replies they have no choice, their cruisers can't repel firepower of that. Lando pleads to Ackbar to give Han more time to destroy shield.
Generator Bunker: Artoo and Threepio make it to the door, as Han and Leia provide cover fire. 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 spooing 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. Han, "Well, I suppose I could hotwire this thing." 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.
Death Star: 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.
Millennium Falcon Cockpit: Lando steers the Falcon wildly through an obstacle course of floating giants. He's been yelling into the comlink. Lando orders the ships to move as close as they canand engage those Star Destroyers at point-blank range, figuring they have a better chance agains them than the Death Star.
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. A damaged Y-wing plummets toward the Star Destroyer, and crashes into the control tower, exploding.
Emperor's Tower, Throne Room: 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 and taunts him over the failure of the Alliance. Luke's eyes are full of rage. Vader watches him.
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.
Forest: 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.
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.
Generator Bunker: 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. 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.
Stormtroopers appear behind them and order them to freeze. 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.
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. The hatch on top of the walker opens and Chewie sticks his head out and barks triumphantly. Han tells Leia he has an idea.
Emperor's Tower, Throne Room: 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. The Emperor, laughing, encourages Luke to let the hate flow through him.
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. Luke refuses to fight Vader. 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. They exchange words of betrayal and conflict.
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.
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