INT. MILLENNIUM FALCON -- COCKPIT

Solo spots approaching enemy ships.

HAN: (to Chewie) We're coming up on the sentry ships. Hold 'em off! Angle the deflector shields while I charge up the main guns!

INT. MILLENNIUM FALCON -- CENTRAL HOLD AREA

Luke looks downward sadly, shaking his head back and forth, as
the princess smiles comfortingly at him.

LUKE: I can't believe he's gone.

Artoo-Detoo beeps a reply.

LEIA: There wasn't anything you could have done.

Han rushes into the hold area where Luke is sitting with
the princess.

HAN: (to Luke) Come on, buddy, we're not out of this yet!

INT. MILLENNIUM FALCON -- GUNPORTS -- COCKPIT

Solo climbs into his attack position in the topside gunport.
INT. MILLENNIUM FALCON -- HOLD AREA

Luke gets up and moves out toward the gunports as Leia heads
for the cockpit.

INT. MILLENNIUM FALCON -- GUNPORTS -- COCKPIT

Luke climbs down the ladder into the gunport cockpit, settling
into one of the two main laser cannons mounted in large
rotating turrets on either side of the ship.

INT. MILLENNIUM FALCON -- SOLO'S GUNPORT.

Han adjusts his headset as he sits before the controls of his
laser cannon, then speaks into the attached microphone.

HAN: (to Luke) You in, kid? Okay, stay sharp!


INT. MILLENNIUM FALCON -- GUNPORTS -- COCKPIT

Chewbacca and Princess Leia search the heavens for attacking
TIE fighters. The Wookiee pulls back on the speed controls as
the ship bounces slightly.

INT. MILLENNIUM FALCON -- SOLO'S GUNPORT -- COCKPIT
Computer graphic readouts form on Solo's target screen, as Han
reaches for controls.

INT. MILLENNIUM FALCON -- GUNPORT -- COCKPIT

Luke sits in readiness for the attack, his hand on the laser
cannon's control button.

INT. MILLENNIUM FALCON -- COCKPIT

Chewbacca spots the enemy ships and barks.

LEIA: (into intercom) Here they come!

INT. MILLENNIUM FALCON -- COCKPIT -- POV (POINT OF VIEW) -- SPACE

The Imperial TIE fighters move towards the Millennium Falcon,
one each veering off to the left and right of the pirateship.

INT. TIE FIGHTER -- COCKPIT

The stars whip past behind the Imperial pilot as he adjusts
his maneuvering joy stick.

EXT. MILLENNIUM FALCON -- IN SPACE
The TIE fighter races past the Falcon, firing laser beams as
it passes.

INT. MILLENNIUM FALCON -- HOLD AREA

Threepio is seated in the hold area, next to Artoo-Detoo. The
pirateship bounces and vibrates as the power goes out in the
room and then comes back on.

INT. MILLENNIUM FALCON -- COCKPIT -- GUNPORTS.

A TIE fighter maneuvers in front of Han, who follows it and
fires at it with the laser cannon. Luke does likewise, as the
fighter streaks into view. The ship has suffered a minor hit,
and bounces slightly.

EXT. SPACE

Two TIE fighters dive down toward the pirateship.

INT. MILLENNIUM FALCON -- GUNPORTS

Luke fires at an unseen fighter.

LUKE: They're coming in too fast!

EXT. SPACE -- MILLENNIUM FALCON/TIE FIGHTERS

Pan with pirateship as two TIE fighters charge through the
background. Laserbolts streak from all the craft.

INT. MILLENNIUM FALCON -- CHEWBACCA

The ship shudders as a laserbolt hits very close to the
cockpit. The Wookiee chatters something to Leia.

EXT. TIE FIGHTER -- SPACE

Full shot of a TIE fighter as it moves fast through the frame,
firing on the pirate starship.

EXT. SPACE -- TIE FIGHTERS.

The two TIE fighters fire a barrage of laserbeams at the
pirateship.

INT. MILLENNIUM FALCON -- MAIN PASSAGEWAY

A laserbolt streaks into the side of the pirateship. The ship
lurches violently, throwing poor Threepio into a cabinet fill
of small computer chips.

THREEPIO: Oooh!

INT. MILLENNIUM FALCON -- COCKPIT -- GUNPORTS

Leia watches the computer readout as Chewbacca manipulates the ship's controls.

LEIA: We've lost lateral controls.

HAN: Don't worry, she'll hold together.

An enemy laserbolt hits the pirateship's control panel,
causing it to blow out in a shower of sparks.

HAN: (to ship) You hear me, baby? Hold together!

Artoo-Detoo advances toward the smoking sparking control
panel, dousing the inferno by spraying it with fire retardant
beeping all the while.

INT. MILLENNIUM FALCON -- GUNPORT

Luke swivels in his gun mount, following the TIE fighter with
his laser cannon.

INT. MILLENNIUM FALCON -- GUNPORT

Solo aims his laser cannon at the enemy fighter.

EXT. SPACE

A TIE fighter streaks in front of the starship.

INT. MILLENNIUM FALCON -- COCKPIT

Leia watches the TIE fighter ship fly over.

EXT. SPACE

A TIE fighter heads right for the pirateship, then zooms
overhead.

INT. MILLENNIUM FALCON -- GUNPORTS

Luke follows the TIE fighter across his field of view, firing
laserbeams from his cannon.

EXT. TIE FIGHTER

A TIE fighter dives past the pirateship.

INT. MILLENNIUM FALCON -- GUNPORTS

Luke fires at a TIE fighter. At his port, Han follows a
fighter in his sights, releasing a blast of laserfire. He
connects, and the fighter explodes into fiery dust. Han laughs
victoriously.

EXT. SPACE

Two TIE fighters move toward and over the Millennium Falcon,
unleashing a barrage of laserbolts at the ship.

INT. MILLENNIUM FALCON -- GUNPORTS

Another TIE fighter moves in on the pirateship and Luke,
smiling, fires the laser cannon at it, scoring a spectacular
direct hit.

LUKE: Got him! I got him!

Han turns and gives Luke a victory wave which Luke
gleefully returns.

HAN: Great kid! Don't get cocky.

Han turns back to his laser cannon.

EXT. SPACE

Two more TIE fighters cross in front of the pirateship.

INT. MILLENNIUM FALCON -- COCKPIT

While Chewbacca manipulates the controls, Leia turns, looking
over her shoulder out the ports.

LEIA: There are still two more of them out there!

EXT. SPACE

A TIE fighter moves up over the pirateship, firing laserblasts
at it.

INT. MILLENNIUM FALCON -- GUNPORTS

Luke and Han look into their respective projected target
screens. An Imperial fighter crosses Solo's port, and Han
swivels in his chair, following it with blasts from his laser
cannon. Another fighter crosses Luke's port, and he reacts in
a like manner, the glow of his target screen lighting his
face.

EXT. SPACE

The TIE fighter zooms toward the pirateship, firing
destructive blasts at it.

INT. MILLENNIUM FALCON -- GUNPORTS

Luke fires a laserblast at the approaching enemy fighter, and
it bursts into a spectacular explosion. Luke's projected
screen gives a readout of the hit. The pirateship bounces
slightly as it is struck by the enemy fire.

EXT. SPACE -- TIE FIGHTER

The last of the attacking Imperial TIE fighters looms in,
firing upon the Falcon.

INT. MILLENNIUM FALCON -- GUNPORT

Solo swivels behind his cannon, his aim describing the arc of
the TIE fighter. The fighter comes closer, firing at the
pirateship, but a well-aimed blast from Solo's laser cannon
hits the attacker, which blows up in a small atomic shower of
burning fragments.

LUKE: (laughing) That's it! We did it!

The princess jumps up and gives Chewie a congratulatory
hug.

LEIA: We did it!

INT. MILLENNIUM FALCON -- PASSAGEWAY

Threepio lies on the floor of the ship, completely tangled in
the smoking, sparking wires.

THREEPIO: Help! I think I'm melting! (to Artoo) This is all your
fault.

Artoo turns his dome from side to side, beeping in
response.

EXT. SPACE -- MILLENNIUM FALCON

The victorious Millennium Falcon moves off majestically
through space.

INT. DEATH STAR -- CONTROL ROOM

Darth Vader strides into the control room, where Tarkin is
watching the huge view screen. A sea of stars is before him.

TARKIN: Are they away?

VADER: They have just made the jump into hyperspace.

TARKIN: You're sure the homing beacon is secure aboard their ship? I'm taking an awful risk, Vader. This had better work.

INT. MILLENNIUM FALCON -- COCKPIT

Han, removes his gloves and smiling, is at the controls of the
ship. Chewie moves into the aft section to check the damage.
Leia is seated near Han.

HAN: Not a bad bit of rescuing, huh? You know, sometimes I even amaze myself.

LEIA: That doesn't sound too hard. Besides, they let us go. It's the
only explanation for the ease of our escape.

HAN: Easy...you call that easy?

LEIA: Their tracking us!

HAN: Not this ship, sister.

Frustrated, Leia shakes her head.

LEIA: At least the information in Artoo is still intact.

HAN: What's so important? What's he carrying?

LEIA: The technical readouts of that battle station. I only hope that
when the data is analyzed, a weakness can be found. It's not over yet!

HAN: It is for me, sister! Look, I ain't in this for your revolution,
and I'm not in it for you, Princess. I expect to be well paid. I'm in
it for the money!

LEIA: You needn't worry about your reward. If money is all that you
love, then that's what you'll receive!

She angrily turns, and as she starts out of the cockpit,
passes Luke coming in.

LEIA: Your friend is quite a mercenary. I wonder if he really cares
about anything...or anyone.

LUKE: I care!

Luke, shaking his head, sits in the copilot seat. He and
Han stare out at the vast blackness of space.

LUKE: So...what do you think of her, Han?

HAN: I'm trying not to, kid!

LUKE: (under his breath) Good...

HAN: Still, she's got a lot of spirit. I don't know, what do you
think? Do you think a princess and a guy like me...

LUKE: No!

Luke says it with finality and looks away. Han smiles at
young Luke's jealousy.

EXT. SPACE AROUND FOURTH MOON OF YAVIN

The battered pirateship drifts into orbit around the planet
Yavin and proceeds to one of its tiny green moons.

EXT. FOURTH MOON OF YAVIN

The pirateship soars over the dense jungle.

EXT. MASSASSI OUTPOST

An alert guard, his laser gun in hand, scans the countryside.
He sets the gun down and looks toward the temple, barely
visible in the foliage.

EXT. MASSASSI OUTPOST -- JUNGLE TEMPLE

Rotting in a forest of gargantuan trees, an ancient temple
lies shrouded in an eerie mist. The air is heavy with the
fantastic cries of unimaginable creatures. Han, Luke and the
others are greeted by the Rebel troops.
Luke and the group ride into the massive temple on an
armored military speeder.

INT. MASSASSI -- MAIN HANGAR DECK

The military speeder stops in a huge spaceship hangar, set up
in the interior of the crumbling temple. Willard, the
commander of the Rebel forces, rushes up to the group and
gives Leia a big hug. Every one is pleased to see her.

WILLARD: (holding Leia) You're safe! We had feared the worst.

Willard composes himself, steps back and bows formally.

WILLARD: When we heard about Alderaan, we were afraid that you were... lost along with your father.

LEIA: We don't have time for our sorrows, Commander. The battle
station has surely tracked us here (looking pointedly to Han). It's
the only explanation for the ease of our escape. You must use the
information in this R2 unit to plan the attack. It is our only hope.

EXT. SPACE

The surface of the Death Star ominously approaches the red
planet Yavin.

INT. DEATH STAR -- CONTROL ROOM

Grand Moff Tarkin and Lord Vader are interrupted in their
discussion by the buzz of the comlink. Tarkin moves to answer
the call.

TARKIN: Yes.

DEATH STAR INTERCOM VOICE: We are approaching the planet Yavin. The Rebel base is on a moon on the far side. We are preparing to orbit the planet.

EXT. YAVIN -- JUNGLE

A lone guard stands in a tower high above the Yavin landscape,
surveying the countryside. A mist hangs over the jungle of
twisted green.

INT. MASSASSI -- WAR ROOM BRIEFING AREA

Dodonna stands before a large electronic wall display. Leia
and several other senators are to one side of the giant
readout. The low-ceilinged room is filled with starpilots,
navigators, and a sprinkling of R2-type robots. Everyone is
listening intently to what Dodonna is saying. Han and
Chewbacca are standing near the back.

DODONNA: The battle station is heavily shielded and carries a
firepower greater than half the star fleet. It's defenses are designed
around a direct large-scale assault. A small one-man fighter should be able to penetrate the outer defense.

Gold Leader, a rough looking man in his early thirties,
stands and addresses Dodonna.

GOLD LEADER: Pardon me for asking, sir, but what good are snub
fighters going to be against that?

DODONNA: Well, the Empire doesn't consider a small one-man fighter to be any threat, or they'd have a tighter defense. An analysis of the plans provided by Princess Leia has demonstrated a weakness in the battle station.

Artoo-Detoo stands next to a similar robot, makes beeping
sounds, and turns his head from right to left.

DODONNA: The approach will not be easy. You are required to maneuver straight down this trench and skim the surface to this point. The target area is only two meters wide. It's a small thermal exhaust port, right below the main port. The shaft leads directly to the reactor system. A precise hit will start a chain reaction which should destroy the station.

A murmer of disbelief runs through the room.

DODONNA: Only a precise hit will set up a chain reaction. The shaft is ray-shielded, so you'll have to use proton torpedoes.

Luke is sitting next to Wedge Antilles, a hotshot pilot
about sixteen years old.

WEDGE: That's impossible, even for a computer.

LUKE: It's not impossible. I used to bull's-eye womp rats in my
T-sixteen back home. They're not much bigger than two meters.

DODONNA: Man your ships! And may the Force be with you!

The group rises and begins to leave.

EXT. SPACE

The Death Star begins to move around the planet toward the
tiny green moon.

INT. DEATH STAR

Tarkin and Vader watch the computer projected screen with
interest, as a circle of lights intertwines around one another
on the screen showing it's position in relation to Yavin and
the forth moon.

DEATH STAR INTERCOM VOICE: Orbiting the planet at maximum velocity. The moon with the Rebel base will be in range in thirty minutes.

VADER: This will be a day long remembered. It has seen the end of
Kenobi and it will soon see the end of the Rebellion.

INT. MASSASSI OUTPOST -- MAIN HANGAR DECK

Luke, Threepio and little Artoo enter the huge spaceship
hangar and hurry along a long line of gleaming spacefighters.
Flight crews rush around loading last-minute armaments and
unlocking power couplings. In an area isolated from this
activity Luke finds Han and Chewbacca loading small boxes onto
an armored speeder.

MAN'S VOICE: (over loudspeaker) All flight trooper, man your stations. All flight troops, man your stations.

Han is deliberately ignoring the activity of the fighter
pilots' preparation. Luke is quite saddened at the sight of
his friend's departure.

LUKE: So...you got your reward and you're just leaving then?

HAN: That's right, yeah! I got some old debts I've got to pay off with
this stuff. Even if I didn't, you don't think I'd be fool enough to
stick around here, do you? Why don't you come with us? You're pretty good in a fight. I could use you.

LUKE: (getting angry) Come on! Why don't you take a look around? You know what's about to happen, what they're up against. They could use a good pilot like you. You're turning your back on them.

HAN: What good's a reward if you ain't around to use it? Besides,
attacking that battle station ain't my idea of courage. It's more like
suicide.

LUKE: All right. Well, take care of yourself, Han. I guess that's
what you're best at, isn't it?

Luke goes off and Han hesitates, then calls to him.

HAN: Hey, Luke...may the Force be with you!

Luke turns and sees Han wink at him. Luke lifts his hand in
a small wave and then goes off. Han turns to Chewie who growls at his captain.

HAN: What're you lookin' at? I know what I'm doing.

INT. MAIN HANGAR DECK -- LUKE'S SHIP

Luke, Leia, and Dodonna meet under a huge space fighter.

LEIA: What's wrong?

LUKE: Oh, it's Han! I don't know, I really thought he'd change his
mind.

LEIA: He's got to follow his own path. No one can choose it for him.

LUKE: I only wish Ben were here.

Leia gives Luke a little kiss, turns, and goes off. As Luke
heads for his ship, another pilot rushes up to him and grabs
his arm.

BIGGS: Luke! I don't believe it! How'd you get here...are you going
out with us?!

LUKE: Biggs! Of course, I'll be up there with you! Listen, have I got
some stories to tell...

Red Leader, a rugged handsome man in his forties, comes up
behind Luke and Biggs. He has the confident smile of a born
leader.

RED LEADER: Are you...Luke Skywalker? Have you been checked out on the Incom T-sixty-five?

BIGGS: Sir, Luke is the best bushpilot in the outer rim territories.

Red Leader pats Luke on the back as they stop in front of
his fighter.

RED LEADER: I met your father once when I was just a boy, he was a
great pilot. You'll do all right. If you've got half of your father's
skill, you'll do better than all right.

LUKE: Thank you, sir. I'll try.

Red Leader hurries to his own ship.

BIGGS: I've got to get aboard. Listen, you'll tell me your stories
when we come back. All right?

LUKE: I told you I'd make it someday, Biggs.

BIGGS: (going off) You did, all right. It's going to be like old
times, Luke. We're a couple of shooting stars that'll never be
stopped!

Luke laughs and shakes his head in agreement. He heads for
his ship. As Luke begins to climb up the ladder into his sleek,
deadly spaceship, the crew chief, who is working on the craft,
points to little Artoo, who is being hoisted into a socket on
the back of the fighter.

CHIEF: This R2 unit of your seems a bit beat up. Do you want a new
one?

LUKE: Not on your life! That little droid and I have been through a
lot together. (to Artoo) You okay, Artoo?

The crewmen lower Artoo-Detoo into the craft. Now a part of
the exterior shell of the starship, the little droid beeps
that he is fine. Luke climbs up into the cockpit of his fighter and puts an his helmet. Threepio looks on from the floor of the massive
hangar as the crewmen secure his little electronic partner
into Luke's X-wing. It's an emotional-filled moment as Artoo
beeps good-bye.

CHIEF: Okay, easy she goes!

THREEPIO: Hang on tight,Artoo, you've got to come back.

Artoo beeps in agreement.

THREEPIO: You wouldn't want my life to get boring, would you?

Artoo whistles his reply. All final preparations are made for the approaching battle. The hangar is buzzing with the last minute activity as the pilots and crewmen alike make their final adjustments. The hum of activity is occasionally trespassed by the distorted voice of the loudspeaker issuing commands. Coupling hoses are disconnected from the ships as they are fueled. Cockpit
shields roll smoothly into place over each pilot. A signalman,
holding red guiding lights, directs the ships. Luke, a trace
of a smile gracing his lips, peers about through his goggles.

BEN'S VOICE: Luke, the Force will be with you.

Luke is confused at the voice and taps his headphones.

EXT. MASSASSI OUTPOST -- JUNGLE

All that can be seen of the fortress is a lone guard standing
on a small pedestal jutting out above the dense jungle. The
muted gruesome crying sounds that naturally permeate this
eerie purgatory are overwhelmed by the thundering din of ion
rockets as four silver starships catapult from the foliage in
a tight formation and disappears into the morning cloud cover.

INT. MASSASSI OUTPOST -- WAR ROOM

The princess, Threepio, and a field commander sit quietly
before the giant display showing the planet Yavin and its four
moons. The red dot that represents the Death Star moves ever
closer to the system. A series of green dots appear around the
fourth moon. A din of indistinct chatter fills the war room.

MASSASSI INTERCOM VOICE: Stand-by alert. Death Star approaching. Estimated time to firing range, fifteen minutes.

EXT. SPACE

The Death Star slowly moves behind the massive yellow surface
of Yavin in the foreground, as many X-wing fighters flying in
formation zoom toward us and out of the frame.

EXT. SPACE -- ANOTHER ANGLE

Light from a distant sun creates an eerie atmospheric glow
around a huge planet, Yavin. Rebel fighters flying in formation settle ominously in the foreground and very slowly pull away.

INT. RED LEADER STARSHIP -- COCKPIT

Red Leader lowers his visor and adjusts his gun sights,
looking to each side at his wing men.

RED LEADER: All wings report in.

INT. ANOTHER COCKPIT

One of the Rebel fighters checks in through his mic.

RED TEN: Red Ten standing by.

INT. BIGGS' COCKPIT.

Biggs checks his fighter's controls, alert and ready for
combat.

RED SEVEN: (over Biggs' headset) Red Seven standing by.

BIGGS: Red Three standing by.

INT. PORKINS' COCKPIT

PORKINS: Red Six standing by.

RED NINE: (over headset) Red Nine standing by.

INT. WEDGE'S FIGHTER -- COCKPIT

WEDGE: Red Two standing by.

INT. LUKE'S X-WING FIGHTER -- COCKPIT

RED ELEVEN: (over headset) Red Eleven standing by.

LUKE: Red Five standing by.

EXT. LUKE'S X-WING FIGHTER

Artoo-Detoo, in position outside of the fighter, turns his
head from side to side and makes beeping sounds.

INT. RED LEADER'S FIGHTER -- COCKPIT

RED LEADER: Lock S-foils in attack position.

EXT. SPACE

The group of X-wing fighters move in formation toward the
Death Star, unfolding the wings and locking them in the "X"
position.

INT. BIGGS' COCKPIT

READ LEADER: (over headset) We're passing through their magnetic
field.

INT. RED LEADER'S COCKPIT

RED LEADER: Hold tight!

INT. LUKE'S X-WING FIGHTER -- COCKPIT

Luke adjusts his controls as he concentrates on the
approaching Death Star. The ship begins to be buffeted
slightly.

RED LEADER: (over headset) Switch your deflectors on.

INT. ANOTHER COCKPIT

RED LEADER: (over headset) Double front!

EXT. SPACE

The fighters, now X-shaped darts, move in formation. The Death
Star now appears to be a small moon growing rapidly in size as
the Rebel fighters approach. Complex patterns on the metallic
surface begin to become visible. A large dish antenna is built
into the surface on one side.

INT. WEDGE'S COCKPIT

Wedge is amazed and slightly frightened at the awesome
spectacle.

WEDGE: Look at the size of that thing!

RED LEADER: (over headset) Cut the chatter, Red Two.

INT. RED LEADER'S COCKPIT

RED LEADER: Accelerate to attack speed. This is it, boys!

EXT. SPACE

As the fighters move closer to the Death Star, the awesome
size of the gargantuan Imperial fortress is revealed. Half of
the deadly space station is in shadow and this area sparkles
with thousands of small lights running in thin lines and
occasionally grouped in large clusters; somewhat like a city
at night as seen from a weather satellite.

INT. GOLD LEADER'S COCKPIT

GOLD LEADER: Red Leader, this is Gold Leader.

RED LEADER: (over headset) I copy, Gold Leader.

GOLD LEADER: We're starting for the target shaft now.

INT. RED LEADER'S COCKPIT

Red Leader looks around at his wingmen; the Death Star looming
in from behind. Two Y-wing fighters bob back and forth in the
background. He moves his computer targeting device into
position.

RED LEADER: We're in position. I'm going to cut across the axis and
try and draw their fire.

EXT. SPACE

Two squads of Rebel fighters peel off. The X-wings dive
towards the Death Star surface. A thousand lights glow across
the dark grey expanse of the huge station.

INT. DEATH STAR

Alarm sirens scream as soldiers scramble to large turbo-
powered laser gun emplacements. Electronic drivers rotate the
huge guns into position as crew adjust their targeting
devices.

EXT. SPACE AROUND THE DEATH STAR

Laserbolts streak through the star-filled night. The Rebel
X-wing fighters move in toward the Imperial base, as the Death
Star aims its massive laser guns at the Rebel forces and
fires.

INT. MASSASSI OUTPOST -- WAR ROOM

Princess Leia listens to the battle over the intercom.
Threepio is at her side.

WEDGE: (over war room speaker system) Heavy fire, boss! Twenty-degrees.

RED LEADER: (over speaker) I see it. Stay low.

EXT. SPACE

An X-wing zooms across the surface of the Death Star.

INT. DEATH STAR

Technical crews scurry here and there loading last-minute
armaments and unlocking power cables.

INT. WEDGE'S COCKPIT

Wedge maneuvers his fighter toward the menacing Death Star.

EXT. SPACE

X-wings continue in their attack course on the Death Star.

INT. LUKE'S X-WING FIGHTER -- COCKPIT

Luke nosedives radically, starting his attack on the monstrous
fortress. The Death Star surface streaks past the cockpit
window.

LUKE: This is Red Five; I'm going in!

EXT. SPACE

Luke's X-wing races toward the Death Star. Laserbolts streak
from Luke's weapons, creating a huge fireball explosion on the
dim surface.

INT. LUKE'S X-WING FIGHTER -- COCKPIT

Terror crosses Luke's face as he realizes he won't be able to
pull out in time to avoid the fireball.

BIGGS: (over headset) Luke, pull up!

EXT. SURFACE OF DEATH STAR

Luke's ship emerges from the fireball, with the leading edges
of his wings slightly scorched.

INT. BIGGS' COCKPIT

BIGGS: Are you all right?

INT. LUKE'S X-WING FIGHTER -- COCKPIT

Luke adjusts his controls and breathes a sigh of relief. Flak
bursts outside the cockpit window.

LUKE: I got a little cooked, but I'm okay.

EXT. SURFACE OF THE DEATH STAR

Rebel fighters continue to strafe the Death Star's surface
with laserbolts.

INT. DEATH STAR

Walls buckle and cave in. Troops and equipment are blown in
all directions. Stormtroopers stagger out of the rubble.
Standing in the middle of the chaos, a vision of calm and
foreboding, is Darth Vader. One of his Astro-Officers rushes
up to him.

ASTRO-OFFICER: We count thirty Rebel ships, Lord Vader. But they're so small they're evading our turbo-lasers!

VADER: We'll have to destroy them ship to ship. Get the crews to their fighters.

INT. DEATH STAR

Smoke belches from the giant laser guns as they wind up their
turbine generators to create sufficient power. The crew rushes
about preparing for another blast. Even the troopers head gear
is not adequate to protect them from the overwhelming noise of
the monstrous weapon. One troopers bangs his helmet with his
hand in an attempt to stop the ringing.

INT. READ LEADER'S X-WING FIGHTER -- COCKPIT -- TRAVELING

Red Leader flies through a heavy hail of flak.

RED LEADER: Luke, let me know when you're going in.

INT. LUKE'S X-WING -- COCKPIT -- TRAVELING

The Red Leader's X-wing flies past Luke as he puts his nose
down and starts his attack dive.

LUKE: I'm on my way in now...

RED LEADER: Watch yourself! There's a lot of fire coming from the
right side of that deflection tower.

LUKE: I'm on it.

EXT. SURFACE OF THE DEATH STAR

Luke flings his X-wing into a twisting dive across the horizon
and down onto the dim grey surface.

EXT. LUKE'S X-WING TRAVELING

A shot hurls from Luke's guns. Laserbolts streak toward the
onrushing Death Star surface. Several small radar emplacements
erupt in flame. Laserfire erupts from a protruding tower on
the surface.

INT. LUKE'S X-WING -- COCKPIT -- TRAVELING

The blurry Death Star surface races past the cockpit window as
a big smile sweeps across Luke's face at the success of his
run. Flak thunders on all sides of him.

EXT. SURFACE OF THE DEATH STAR

The Death Star superstructure races past Luke as he maneuvers
his craft through a wall of laserfire and peels away from the
surface towards the heavens.

INT. DEATH STAR

The thunder and smoke of the big guns reverberate throughout
the massive structure. Many soldiers rush about in the smoke
and chaos, silhouetted by the almost continual flash of
explosions.

INT. BIGGS' COCKPIT -- TRAVELING

Biggs dives through a forest of radar domes, antennae, and gun
towers as he shoots low across the Death Star surface. A dense
barrage of laserfire streaks by on all sides.

INT. DEATH STAR

Imperial star pilots dash in unison to a line of small
auxiliary hatches that lead to Imperial TIE fighters.

INT. MASSASSI OUTPOST -- WAR ROOM

Princess Leia, surrounded by her generals and aides, paces
nervously before a lighted computer table. On all sides
technicians work in front of many lighted glass walls. Dodonna
watches quietly from one corner. One of the officers working
over a screen speaks into his headset.

CONTROL OFFICER: Squad leaders, we've picked up a new group of
signals. Enemy fighters coming your way.

INT. LUKE'S X-WING -- COCKPIT -- TRAVELING

Luke looks around to see if he can spot the approaching
Imperial fighters.

LUKE: My scope's negative. I don't see anything.

INT. RED LEADER'S X-WING -- COCKPIT -- TRAVELING

The Death Star's surface sweeps past as Red Leader searches
the sky for the Imperial fighters. Flak pounds at his ship.

RED LEADER: Keep up your visual scanning. With all this jamming,
they'll be on top of you before your scope can pick them up.

EXT. SURFACE OF THE DEATH STAR

Silhouetted against the rim lights of the Death Star horizon,
four ferocious Imperial TIE ships dive on the Rebel fighters.
Two of the TIE fighters peel off and drop out of frame. Pan
with the remaining two TIE ships.

INT. BIGGS' COCKPIT -- TRAVELING

Biggs panics when he discovers a TIE ship on his tail. The
horizon in the background twists around as he peels off,
hoping to lose the Imperial fighter.

INT. RED LEADER'S COCKPIT

RED LEADER: Biggs! You've picked one up...watch it!

BIGGS: I can't see it! Where is he?!

EXT. SPACE AROUND THE DEATH STAR

Biggs zooms off the surface and into space, closely followed
by an Imperial TIE fighter. The TIE ship fires several
laserbolts at Biggs, but misses.

INT. BIGGS' COCKPIT -- TRAVELING

Biggs see the TIE ship behind him and swings around, trying to
avoid him.

BIGGS: He's on me tight, I can't shake him...I can't shake him.

EXT. SPACE AROUND THE DEATH STAR

Biggs, flying at high altitude, peels off and dives toward the
Death Star surface, but he is unable to lose the TIE fighter,
who sticks close to his tail.

INT. X-WING FIGHTER -- COCKPIT -- TRAVELING

Luke is flying upside down. He rotates his ship around to
normal attitude as he comes out of his dive.

LUKE: Hang on, Biggs, I'm coming in.

EXT. SPACE AROUND THE DEATH STAR

Biggs and the tailing TIE ship dive for the surface, now
followed by a fast-gaining Luke. After Biggs dives out of
sight, Luke chases the Imperial fighter.

EXT. SURFACE AROUND THE DEATH STAR

In the foreground, the Imperial fighter races across the Death
Star's surface, closely followed by Luke in the background.

INT. LUKE'S X-WING FIGHTER -- COCKPIT -- TRAVELING

There is a shot from Luke's X-wing of the TIE ship exploding
in a mass of flames.

LUKE: Got him!

INT. DEATH STAR

Darth Vader strides purposefully down a Death Star corridor,
flanked by Imperial stormtroopers.

VADER: Several fighters have broken off from the main group. Come with me!

INT. MASSASSI OUTPOST -- WAR ROOM

A concerned Princess Leia, Threepio, Dodonna, and other
officers of the Rebellion stand around the huge round readout
screen, listening to the ship-to-ship communication on the
room's loudspeaker.

BIGGS: (over speaker) Pull in! Luke...pull in!

WEDGE: (over speaker) Watch your back, Luke!

INT. LUKE'S X-WING FIGHTER -- COCKPIT

WEDGE: (over headset) Watch your back! Fighter's above you, coming in!

EXT. SPACE

Luke's ship soars away from the Death Star's surface as he
spots the tailing TIE fighter.

INT. TIE FIGHTER'S COCKPIT

The TIE pilot takes aim at Luke's X-wing.

EXT. SPACE

The Imperial TIE fighter pilot scores a hit on Luke's ship.
Fire breaks out on the right side of the X-wing.

INT. LUKE'S X-WING FIGHTER -- COCKPIT

Luke looks out of his cockpit at the flames on his ship.

LUKE: I'm hit, but not bad.

EXT. LUKE'S X-WING FIGHTER

Smoke pours out from behind Artoo-Detoo.

LUKE'S VOICE: Artoo, see what you can do with it. Hang on back there.

Green laserfire moves past the beeping little robot as his
head turns.

INT. LUKE'S X-WING -- COCKPIT

Luke nervously works his controls.

RED LEADER: (over headset) Red Six...

INT. MASSASSI OUTPOST -- WAR ROOM

In the war room, Leia stands frozen as she listens and worries
about Luke.

RED LEADER: (over speaker) Can you see Red Five?

RED TEN: (over speaker) There's a heavy fire zone on this side. Red
Five, where are you?

INT. LUKE'S X-WING -- COCKPIT

Luke spots the TIE fighter behind him and soars away from the
Death Star surface.

LUKE: I can't shake him!

EXT. SURFACE OF THE DEATH STAR

Luke's ship soars closer to the surface of the Death Star, an
Imperial TIE fighter closing in on him in hot pursuit.

INT. WEDGE'S COCKPIT

The Death Star whips below Wedge.

WEDGE: I'm on him, Luke!

INT. LUKE'S X-WING -- COCKPIT

WEDGE: (over headset) Hold on!

EXT. SURFACE OF THE DEATH STAR

Wedge dives across the horizon toward Luke and the TIE
fighter.

INT. WEDGE'S COCKPIT

Wedge moves his X-wing in rapidly.

INT. LUKE'S X-WING -- COCKPIT

Luke reacts frantically.

LUKE: Blast it! Wedge where are you?

INT. TIE FIGHTER -- COCKPIT

The fighter pilot watches Wedge's X-wing approach. Another
X-wing joins him, and both unleash a volley of laserfire on
the Imperial fighter.

EXT. SPACE

The TIE fighter explodes, filling the screen with white light.
Luke's ship can be seen far in the distance.

INT. LUKE'S X-WING -- COCKPIT

Luke looks about in relief.

LUKE: Thanks, Wedge.

INT. MASSASSI OUTPOST -- WAR ROOM.

Leia, Threepio, Dodonna and other Rebel officers are listening
to the Rebel Fighter's radio transmissions over the war room
intercom.

BIGGS: (over speaker) Good shooting, Wedge!

GOLD LEADER: (over speaker) Red Leader...

INT. GOLD LEADER'S Y-WING -- COCKPIT

Gold Leader peels off and starts toward the long trenches at
the Death Star surface pole.

GOLD LEADER: This is Gold Leader. We're starting out attack run.

EXT. SPACE AROUND THE DEATH STAR

Three Y-wing fighters of the Gold group dive out of the stars
toward the Death Star surface.

INT. MASSASSI OUTPOST -- WAR ROOM

Leia and the others are grouped around the screen, as
technicians move about attending to their duties.

RED LEADER: (over speaker) I copy, Gold Leader. Move into position.

EXT. SPACE AROUND THE DEATH STAR.

Three Imperial TIE ships in precise formation dive toward the
Death Star surface.

INT. DARTH VADER'S COCKPIT

Darth Vader calmly adjusts his control stick as the stars whip
past in the window above his head.

VADER: Stay in attack formation!

INT. MASSASSI OUTPOST -- WAR ROOM

Technicians are seated at the computer readout table.

GOLD LEADER: (over speaker) The exhaust post is...

INT: GOLD LEADER'S Y-WING -- COCKPIT.

GOLD LEADER: ...marked and locked in!

EXT. SPACE AROUND THE DEATH STAR

Gold Leader approaches the surface and pulls out to skim the
surface of the huge station. The ship moves into a deep
trench, firing laserbolts. The surface streaks past as
laserfire is returned by the Death Star.

INT. GOLD FIVE'S Y-WING -- COCKPIT -- TRAVELING

Gold Five is a pilot in his early fifties with a very battered
helmet that looks like it's been through many battles. He
looks around to see if enemy ships are near. His fighter is
buffeted by Imperial flak.

INT. GOLD LEADER'S Y-WING -- COCKPIT

Gold Leader races down the enormous trench that leads to the
exhaust port. Laserbolts blast toward him in increasing
numbers, occasionally exploding near the ship causing it to
bounce about.

GOLD LEADER: Switch power to front deflector screens.

EXT. SURFACE OF THE DEATH STAR

Three Y-wing skim the Death Star surface deep in the trench,
as laserbolts streak past on all sides.

EXT. DEATH STAR SURFACE -- GUN EMPLACEMENTS

An exterior surface gun blazes away at the oncoming Rebel
fighters.

INT. GOLD LEADER'S Y-WING -- COCKPIT

GOLD LEADER: How many guns do you think, Gold Five.

INT. MASSASSI OUTPOST -- WAR ROOM

GOLD FIVE: (over speaker) I'd say about twenty guns. Some on the
surface, some on the towers.

Leia, Threepio, and the technicians view the projected
target screen, as red and blue target lights glow. The red
target near the center blinks on and off.

MASSASSI INTERCOM VOICE: (over speaker) Death Star will be in range in five minutes.

EXT. SURFACE OF THE DEATH STAR.

The three Y-wing fighters race toward camera and zoom
overhead through a hail of laserfire.

INT. GOLD LEADER'S Y-WING -- COCKPIT

Gold Leader pulls his computer targeting device down in
front of his eye. Laserbolts continue to batter the Rebel
craft.

GOLD LEADER: Switching to targeting computer.

INT. GOLD TWO'S Y-WING -- COCKPIT

Gold Two, a younger pilot about Luke's age, pulls down his
targeting eye viewer and adjusts it. His ship shudders under
intense laser barrage.

GOLD TWO: Computer's locked. Getting a signal.

As the fighters begin to approach the target area, suddenly
all the laserfire stops. An eerie clam clings over the trench
as the surface whips past in a blur.

GOLD TWO: The guns...they've stopped!

EXT. GOLD FIVE'S COCKPIT

Gold Five looks behind him.

GOLD FIVE: Stabilize your read deflectors. Watch for enemy fighters.

INT. GOLD LEADER'S Y-WING -- COCKPIT

GOLD LEADER: They've coming in! Three marks at two ten.

EXT. SPACE AROUND THE DEATH STAR

Three Imperial TIE ships, Darth Vader in the center flanked by
two wingmen, dive in precise formation almost vertically
toward the Death Star surface.

INT: DARTH VADER'S COCKPIT

Darth Vader calmly adjusts his control stick as the stars zoom
by.

VADER: I'll take them myself! Cover me!

WINGMAN'S VOICE: (over speaker) Yes, sir.

EXT. SPACE AROUND THE DEATH STAR

Three TIE fighters zoom across the surface of the Death Star.

INT. DARTH VADER'S COCKPIT

Vader lines up Gold Two in his targeting computer. Vader's
hands grip the control stick as he presses the button.

INT. GOLD LEADER'S Y-WING -- COCKPIT

The cockpit explodes around Gold Two. His head falls forward.

EXT. SPACE AROUND THE DEATH STAR

As Gold Two's ship explodes, debris is flung out into space.

INT. GOLD LEADER'S Y-WING -- COCKPIT

Gold Leader looks over his shoulder at the scene.

EXT. DEATH STAR TRENCH

The three TIE fighters race along in the trench in a tight
formation.

INT. GOLD LEADER'S Y-WING -- COCKPIT

Gold Leader panics.

GOLD LEADER: (into mike) I can't maneuver!

INT. GOLD FIVE'S Y-WING -- COCKPIT

Gold Five, the old veteran, trys to calm Gold Leader.

GOLD FIVE: Stay on target.

INT. GOLD LEADER'S Y-WING -- COCKPIT

The Death Star races by outside the cockpit window as he
adjusts his targeting device.

GOLD LEADER: We're too close.

INT. GOLD FIVE'S Y-WING -- COCKPIT

The older pilot remains calm.

GOLD FIVE: Stay on target!

INT. GOLD LEADER'S Y-WING -- COCKPIT

Now he's really panicked.

GOLD LEADER: Loosen up!

INT. DARTH VADER'S COCKPIT

Vader calmly adjusts his targeting computer and pushes the
fire button.

INT. GOLD LEADER'S Y-WING -- COCKPIT

Gold Leader's ship is hit by Vader's laser.

EXT. SURFACE OF THE DEATH STAR

Gold Leader explodes in a ball of flames, throwing debris in
all directions.

INT. GOLD FIVE'S Y-WING -- COCKPIT

Gold Five moves in on the exhaust port.

GOLD FIVE: Gold Five to Red Leader...



RED LEADER: I copy, Gold Five.

INT. GOLD FIVE'S Y-WING -- COCKPIT

GOLD FIVE: They came from behind....

EXT. SURFACE OF THE DEATH STAR

One of the engines explodes on Gold Five's Y-wing fighter,
blazing out of control. He dives past the horizon toward the
Death Star's surface, passing a TIE fighter during his
descent. Gold Five, a veteran of countless campaigns, spins
toward his death.

INT. LUKE'S X-WING FIGHTER -- COCKPIT

Luke looks nervously about him at the explosive battle.

INT. DEATH STAR -- CONTROL ROOM

Grant Moff Tarkin and a Chief Officer stand in the Death
Star's control room.

OFFICER: We've analyzed their attack, sir, and there is a danger.
Should I have your ship standing by?

TARKIN: Evacuate? In out moment of triumph? I think you overestimate their chances!

Tarkin turns to the computer readout screen. Flames move
around the green disk at the center of the screen, as numbers
read across the bottom.

VOICE: (over speaker) Rebel base, three minutes and closing.

INT. READ LEADER'S COCKPIT

Red Leader looks over at his wingmen.

RED LEADER: Red Group, this is Red Leader.

INT. MASSASSI OUTPOST -- WAR ROOM

Dodonna moves to the intercom as he fiddles with the computer
keys.

RED LEADER: (over speaker) Rendezvous at mark six point one.

WEDGE: (over speaker) This is Red Two. Flying toward you.

BIGGS: (over speaker) Red Three, standing by.

INT. RED LEADER'S COCKPIT

DODONNA: (over headset) Red Leader, this is Base One. Keep half your group out of range for the next run.

INT. LUKE'S X-WING FIGHTER -- COCKPIT

RED LEADER'S VOICE: (over headset) Copy, Base One. Luke, take Red Two and Three. Hold up here and wait for my signal...to start your run.

Luke nods his head.

EXT. SPACE AROUND THE DEATH STAR

The X-wing fighters of Luke, Biggs, and Wedge fly in formation
high above the Death Star's surface.

INT. LUKE'S X-WING FIGHTER -- COCKPIT

Luke peers out from his cockpit.

EXT. SURFACE OF THE DEATH STAR

Two X-wings move across the surface of the Death Star. Red
Leader's X-wing drops down to the surface leading to the
exhaust port.

INT. RED LEADER'S COCKPIT

Red Leader looks around to watch for the TIE fighters. He
begins to perspire.

RED LEADER: This is it!

EXT. SPACE

Red Leader roams down the trench of the Death Star as lasers
streak across the black heavens.

EXT. DEATH STAR SURFACE -- GUN EMPLACEMENTS

A huge remote-control laser cannon fires at the approaching
Rebel fighters.

EXT. DEATH STAR TRENCH

The Rebel fighters evade the Imperial laser blasts.

INT. RED TEN'S COCKPIT

Red Ten looks around for the Imperial fighters.

RED TEN: We should be able to see it by now.

EXT. DEATH STAR TRENCH

From the cockpits of the Rebel pilots, the surface of the
Death Star streaks by, with Imperial laserfire shooting toward
them.

INT. RED LEADER'S COCKPIT

RED LEADER: Keep your eyes open for those fighters!

INT. RED TEN'S COCKPIT

RED TEN: There's too much interference!

EXT. SPACE -- DEATH STAR TRENCH

Three X-wing fighters move in formation down the Death Star
trench.

RED TEN'S VOICE: Red Five, can you see them from where you are?

INT. LUKE'S X-WING FIGHTER -- COCKPIT

Luke looks down at the Death Star surface below.

LUKE: No sign of any...wait!

INT. RED TEN'S COCKPIT

Red Ten looks up and sees the Imperial fighters.

LUKE: (over headset) Coming in point three five.

RED TEN: I see them.

EXT. SURFACE OF THE DEATH STAR

Three TIE fighters, Vader flanked by two wingmen, dive in a
tight formation. The sun reflects off their dominate solar
fins as they loop toward the Death Star's surface.

INT. RED LEADER'S COCKPIT

Red Leader pulls his targeting device in front of his eyes and
makes several adjustments.

RED LEADER: I'm in range.

EXT. SURFACE OF THE DEATH STAR

Red Leader's X-wing moves up the Death Star trench.

INT. RED LEADER'S COCKPIT

RED LEADER: Target's coming up!

Red Leader looks at his computer target readout screen. He
then looks into his targeting device.

RED LEADER: Just hold them off for a few seconds.

INT. DARTH VADER'S COCKPIT

Vader adjusts his control lever and dives on the X-wing
fighters.

VADER: Close up formation.

EXT. DEATH STAR TRENCH

The three TIE fighters move in formation across the Death Star
surface.

INT. RED LEADER'S COCKPIT

Red Leader lines up his target on the targeting device
cross hairs.

EXT. SURFACE OF THE DEATH STAR

Vader and his wingmen zoom down the trench.

INT. DARTH VADER'S COCKPIT

Vader rapidly approaches the two X-wings of Red Ten and Red
Twelve. Vader's laser cannon flashes below the view of the
front porthole. the X-wings show in the center of Vader's
computer screen.

EXT. SPACE

Red Twelve's X-wing fighter is hit by Vader's laserfire, and
it explodes into flames against the trench.

INT. RED TEN'S COCKPIT.

Red Ten works at his controls furiously, trying to avoid
Vader's fighter behind him.

RED TEN: You'd better let her loose.

INT. RED LEADER'S COCKPIT

Red Leader is concentrating on his targeting device.

RED LEADER: Almost there!

INT. RED TEN'S COCKPIT

Red Ten panics.

RED TEN: I can't hold them!

EXT. SURFACE OF THE DEATH STAR

Vader and his wingmen whip through the trench in pursuit of
the Rebel fighters.

INT. DARTH VADER'S COCKPIT

Vader cooly pushes the fire button on his control stick.

INT: RED TEN'S COCKPIT

Darth Vader's well-aimed laserfire proves to be unavoidable,
and strikes Red Ten's ship. Red Ten screams in anguish and
pain.

EXT. SPACE AROUND THE DEATH STAR

Red Ten's ship explodes and bursts into flames.

INT. RED LEADER'S COCKPIT

Grimly, Red Leader takes careful aim and watches his computer
targeting device, which shows the target lined up in the cross
hairs, and fires.

INT. RED LEADER'S COCKPIT

RED LEADER: It's away!

INT. DEATH STAR

An armed Imperial stormtrooper is knocked to the floor from
the attack explosion. Other troopers scurrying about the corridors are knocked against the wall and lose their balance.

INT. MASSASSI OUTPOST -- WAR ROOM

Leia and the others stare at the computer screen.

RED NINE'S VOICE: (over speaker) It's a hit!

RED LEADER: (over speaker) Negative.

INT. RED LEADER'S COCKPIT

Red Leader looks back at the receding Death Star. Tiny
explosions are visible in the distance.

RED LEADER: Negative! It didn't go in. It just impacted on the
surface.

EXT. SPACE AROUND THE DEATH STAR -- TIE FIGHTER.

Darth Vader peels off in pursuit as Red Leader's X-wing passes
the Death Star horizon.

INT: DARTH VADER'S COCKPIT

Vader swings his ship around for the next kill.

INT. RED LEADER'S COCKPIT

LUKE: (over headset) Red Leader, we're right above you. Turn to
point...

INT. LUKE'S X-WING FIGHTER -- COCKPIT

Luke tries to spot Red Leader. He looks down at the Death Star
surface.

LUKE: ...oh-five; we'll cover for you.

RED LEADER: (over headset) Stay there...

INT. RED LEADER'S COCKPIT

A wary Red Leader looks about nervously.

RED LEADER: ...I just lost my starboard engine.

INT. LUKE'S X-WING FIGHTER -- COCKPIT.

Luke looks excitedly toward Red Leader's X-wing.

RED LEADER: (over headset) Get set to make your attack run.

INT. DARTH VADER'S COCKPIT

Vader's gloved hands make contact with the control sticks, and
he presses their firing buttons.

INT. RED LEADER'S COCKPIT.

Red Leader fights to gain control of his ship.

EXT. SPACE AROUND THE DEATH STAR.

Laserbolts are flung from Vader's TIE fighter, connecting with
Red Leader's Rebel X-wing fighter. Red Leader buys it,
creating a tremendous explosion far below. He screams and is
destroyed.

INT. LUKE'S X-WING FIGHTER -- COCKPIT.

Luke looks out the window of his X-wing at the explosion far
below. For the first time, he feels the helplessness of his
situation.

INT. DEATH STAR

Grand Moff Tarkin casts a sinister eye at the computer screen.

DEATH STAR INTERCOM VOICE: Rebel base, one minute and closing.

INT. MASSASSI OUTPOST -- WAR ROOM

Dodonna and Princess Leia, with Threepio beside them, listen
intently to the talk between the pilots. The room is grim
after Red Leader's death. Princess Leia nervously paces the
room.

LUKE: (over speaker) Biggs, Wedge, let's close it up. We're going in.
We're going in full throttle.

INT. WEDGE'S COCKPIT

The horizon twists as Wedge begins to pull out.

WEDGE: Right with you, boss.

EXT. SPACE AROUND THE DEATH STAR

The two X-wings peel off against a background of stars and
dive toward the Death Star.

INT. BIGGS' COCKPIT

BIGGS: Luke, at that speed will you be able to pull out in time?

INT. LUKE'S X-WING FIGHTER -- COCKPIT

LUKE: It'll be just like Beggar's Canyon back home.

EXT. SPACE AROUND THE DEATH STAR

The three X-wings move in, unleashing a barrage of laserfire.
Laserbolts are returned from the Death Star.

INT. BIGGS' COCKPIT

Luke's lifelong friend struggles with his controls.

BIGGS: We'll stay back far enough to cover you.

INT. LUKE'S COCKPIT

Flak and laserbolts flash outside Luke's cockpit window.

WEDGE: (over headset) My scope shows the tower, but I can't see the exhaust port! Are you sure the computer can hit it?

EXT. DEATH STAR -- GUN EMPLACEMENTS

The Death Star laser cannon slowly rotates as it shoots
laserbolts.

INT. LUKE'S X-WING FIGHTER -- COCKPIT

Luke looks around for the Imperial TIE fighters. He thinks for
a moment and then moves his targeting device into position.

LUKE: Watch yourself! Increase speed full throttle!

INT. WEDGE'S COCKPIT

Wedge looks excitedly about for any sign of the TIE fighters.

WEDGE: What about the tower?

INT. LUKE'S X-WING FIGHTER -- COCKPIT.

LUKE: You worry about those fighters! I'll worry about the tower!

EXT. DEATH STAR SURFACE

Luke's X-wing streaks through the trench, firing lasers

INT. LUKE'S X-WING FIGHTER -- COCKPIT

Luke breaks into a nervous sweat as the laserfire is returned,
knicking one of his wings close to the engine.

LUKE: (to Artoo) Artoo...that, that stabilizer's broken loose again!
See if you can't lock it down!

EXT. LUKE'S X-WING FIGHTER

Artoo works to repair the damages. The canyon wall rushes by
in the background, making his delicate task seem even more
precarious.

EXT. DEATH STAR

Two laser cannons are firing on the Rebel fighters.

INT. WEDGE'S COCKPIT

Wedge looks up and sees the TIE ships.

INT. LUKE'S X-WING FIGHTER -- COCKPIT

Luke's targeting device marks off the distance to the target.

EXT. SPACE AROUND THE DEATH STAR

Vader and his wingmen zoom closer.

INT. DARTH VADER'S COCKPIT

Vader adjusts his controls and fires laserbolts at two X-wings
flying down the trench. He scores a direct hit on Wedge.

INT. MASSASSI OUTPOST -- WAR ROOM

Leia and the others are grouped around the computer board.

WEDGE: (over speaker) I'm hit! I can't stay with you.

LUKE: (over speaker) Get clear, Wedge.

INT. LUKE'S X-WING FIGHTER -- COCKPIT

LUKE: You can't do any more good back there!

INT. WEDGE'S COCKPIT

WEDGE: Sorry!

EXT. SPACE AROUND THE DEATH STAR

Wedge pulls his crippled X-wing back away from the battle.

INT DARTH VADER'S COCKPIT

Vader watches the escape but issues a command to his wingmen.

VADER: Let him go! Stay on the leader!

EXT. SPACE AROUND THE DEATH STAR

Luke's X-wing speeds down the trench; the three TIE fighters,
still in perfect unbroken formation, tail close behind.

INT. BIGGS' COCKPIT

Biggs looks around at the TIE fighters. He is worried.

BIGGS: Hurry, Luke, they're coming in much faster this time. I can't
hold them!

EXT. SPACE AROUND THE DEATH STAR

The three TIE fighters move ever closer, closing in on Luke
and Biggs.

INT. LUKE'S X-WING FIGHTER -- COCKPIT

Luke looks back anxiously at little Artoo.

LUKE: Artoo, try and increase the power!

EXT. LUKE'S X-WING FIGHTER

Ignoring the bumpy ride, flak, and lasers, a beeping
Artoo-Detoo struggles to increase the power, his dome turning
from side to side.

EXT. SPACE AROUND THE DEATH STAR

Stealthily, the TIE formation creeps closer.

INT. DARTH VADER'S COCKPIT

Vader adjusts his control stick.

INT. BIGGS' COCKPIT

Biggs looks around at the TIE fighters.

INT. LUKE'S X-WING FIGHTER

Luke looks into his targeting device. He moves it away for a
moment and ponders its use. He looks back into the computer
targeter.

BIGGS: (over headset) Hurry up, Luke!

EXT. SPACE AROUND THE DEATH STAR

Vader and his wingmen race through the Death Star trench.
Biggs moves in to cover for Luke, but Vader gains on him.

INT. BIGGS' COCKPIT

Biggs sees the TIE fighter aiming at him.

BIGGS: Wait!

INT. DARTH VADER'S COCKPIT

Vader squeezes the fire button on his controls.

INT. BIGGS' COCKPIT

Biggs' cockpit explodes around him, lighting him in red.

EXT. SURFACE OF THE DEATH STAR

Biggs' ship bursts into a million flaming bits and scatters
across the surface.

INT. MASSASSI OUTPOST -- WAR ROOM

Leia and the others stare at the computer board.

INT. LUKE'S X-WING COCKPIT

Luke is stunned by Biggs' death. His eyes are watering, but
his anger is also growing.

INT. DEATH STAR -- CONTROL ROOM.

Grand Moff Tarkin watches the projected target screen with
satisfaction.

DEATH STAR INTERCOM VOICE: Rebel base, thirty seconds and closing.

INT. DARTH VADER'S COCKPIT

Vader takes aim on Luke and talks to the wingmen.

VADER: I'm on the leader.

EXT. SURFACE OF THE DEATH STAR -- LUKE'S SHIP

Luke's ship streaks through the trench of the Death Star.

INT. MASSASSI OUTPOST -- WAR ROOM.

Princess Leia returns her general's worried and doubtful
glances with solid, grim determination. Threepio seems nervous.

THREEPIO: Hang on, Artoo!

INT. LUKE'S X-WING -- COCKPIT

Luke concentrates on his targeting device.

EXT. SURFACE OF THE DEATH STAR

Three TIE fighters charge away down the trench toward Luke.

INT. DARTH VADER'S COCKPIT

Vader's finger's curls around the control stick.

INT. LUKE'S X-WING -- COCKPIT

Luke adjusts the lens of his targeting device.

EXT. SURFACE OF THE DEATH STAR

Luke's ship charges down the trench.

INT. LUKE'S X-WING -- COCKPIT

Luke lines up the yellow cross-hair lines of the targeting
device's screen. He looks into the targeting device, then
starts at a voice he hears.

BEN'S VOICE: Use the Force, Luke.

EXT. SURFACE OF THE DEATH STAR

The Death Star trench zooms by.

INT.LUKE'S X-WING -- COCKPIT

Luke looks up, then starts to look back into the targeting
device. He has second thoughts.

BEN'S VOICE: Let go, Luke.

A grim determination sweeps across Luke's face as he closes
his eyes and starts to mumble Ben's training to himself.

EXT. SURFACE OF THE DEATH STAR

Luke's fighter streaks through the trench.

INT. DARTH VADER'S COCKPIT

VADER: The Force is strong with this one!

EXT. SURFACE OF THE DEATH STAR

Vader follows Luke's X-wing down the trench.

INT. LUKE'S X-WING -- COCKPIT

Luke looks to the targeting device, then away as he hears
Ben's voice.

BEN'S VOICE: Luke, trust me.

Luke's hand reaches for the control panel and presses the
button. The targeting device moves away.

INT. MASSASSI OUTPOST -- WAR ROOM

Leia and the others stand watching the projected screen.

BASE VOICE: (over speaker) His computer's off. Luke, you switched off your targeting computer. What's wrong?

LUKE: (over speaker) Nothing. I'm all right.

EXT. SURFACE OF THE DEATH STAR

Luke's ship streaks ever close to the exhaust port.

INT. LUKE'S X-WING -- COCKPIT

Luke looks at the Death Star surface streaking by.

EXT. LUKE'S X-WING FIGHTER

Artoo-Detoo turns his head from side to side, beeping in
anticipation.

EXT. SURFACE OF THE DEATH STAR

The three TIE fighters, manned by Vader and his two wingmen,
follow Luke's X-wing down the trench.

INT. DARTH VADER'S COCKPIT

Vader maneuvers his controls as he looks at his doomed target.
He presses the fire buttons on his control sticks. Laserfire
shoots toward Luke's X-wing fighter.

EXT. LUKE'S X-WING FIGHTER

A large burst of Vader's laserfire engulfs Artoo. The arms go
limp on the smoking little droid as he makes a high-pitched
sound.

INT. LUKE'S X-WING FIGHTER -- COCKPIT

Luke looks frantically back over his shoulder at Artoo.

EXT. LUKE'S X-WING FIGHTER

Smoke billows out around little Artoo and sparks begin to fly.

LUKE: I've lost Artoo!

Artoo's beeping sounds die out.

INT. MASSASSI OUTPOST -- WAR ROOM

Leia and the others stare intently at the projected screen,
while Threepio watches the Princess. Lights representing the
Death Star and targets glow brightly.

MASSASSI INTERCOM VOICE: The Death Star has cleared the planet. The Death Star has cleared the planet.

INT. DEATH STAR -- CONTROL ROOM

Tarkin glares at the projected target screen.

DEATH STAR INTERCOM VOICE: Rebel base, in range.

TARKIN: You may fire when ready.

DEATH STAR INTERCOM VOICE: Commence primary ignition.

An officer reaches up and pushes buttons on the control
panel, as green lighted buttons turn to red.

EXT. SURFACE OF THE DEATH STAR

The three TIE fighters zoom down the Death Star trench in
pursuit of Luke, never breaking formation.

INT. LUKE'S COCKPIT

Luke looks anxiously at the exhaust port.

INT. DARTH VADER'S COCKPIT

Vader adjusts his control sticks, checking his projected
targeting screen.

EXT. SURFACE OF THE DEATH STAR

Luke's ship barrels down the trench.

INT. DARTH VADER'S COCKPIT

Vader's targeting computer swings around into position. Vader
takes careful aim on Luke's X-wing fighter.

VADER: I have you now.

He pushes the fire buttons.

EXT. SURFACE OF THE DEATH STAR

The three TIE fighters move in on Luke. As Vader's center
fighter unleashes a volley of laserfire, one of the TIE ships
at his side is hit and explodes into flame. The two remaining
ships continue to move in.

INT. LUKE'S X-WING FIGHTER -- COCKPIT

Luke looks about, wondering whose laserfire destroyed Vader's
wingman.

INT. DARTH VADER'S COCKPIT

Vader is taken by surprise, and looks out from his cockpit.

VADER: What?

INT. DARTH VADER'S WINGMAN -- COCKPIT

Vader's wingman searches around him trying to locate the
unknown attacker.

INT. MILLENNIUM FALCON -- COCKPIT

Han and Chewbacca grin from ear to ear.

HAN: (yelling) Yahoo!

EXT. SPACE AROUND THE DEATH STAR

The Millennium Falcon heads right at the two TIE fighters.
It's a collision course.

INT. WINGMAN'S COCKPIT

The wingman spots the pirateship coming at him and warns the
Dark Lord.

WINGMAN: Look out!

EXT. DEATH STAR TRENCH

Vader's wingman panics at the sight of the oncoming pirate
starship and veers radically to one side, colliding with
Vader's TIE fighter in the process. Vader's wingman crashes
into the side wall of the trench and explodes. Vader's damaged
ship spins out of the trench with a damaged wing.

EXT. SPACE AROUND THE DEATH STAR

Vader's ship spins out of control with a bent solar fin,
heading for deep space.

INT. DARTH VADER'S COCKPIT

Vader turns round and round in circles as his ship spins
into space.

EXT. SURFACE OF THE DEATH STAR

Solo's ship moves in toward the Death Star trench.

INT. MILLENNIUM FALCON -- COCKPIT

Solo, smiling, speaks to Luke over his headset mike.

HAN: (into mike) You're all clear, kid.

INT. MASSASSI OUTPOST -- WAR ROOM

Leia and the others listen to Solo's transmission.

HAN: (over speaker) Now let's blow this thing and go home!

INT. LUKE'S X-WING FIGHTER -- COCKPIT

Luke looks up and smiles. He concentrates on the exhaust port,
then fires his laser torpedoes.

EXT. SURFACE OF THE DEATH STAR.

Luke's torpedoes shoot toward the port and seems to simply
disappear into the surface and not explode. But the shots do
find their mark and have gone into the exhaust port and are
heading for the main reactor.

INT. LUKE'S X-WING FIGHTER -- COCKPIT.

Luke throws his head back in relief.

INT. DEATH STAR

An Imperial soldier runs to the control panel board and pulls
the attack lever as the board behind him lights up.

INTERCOM VOICE: Stand by to fire at Rebel base.

EXT. SPACE AROUND THE DEATH STAR

Two X-wings, a Y-wing, and the pirateship race toward Yavin in
the distance.

INT. DEATH STAR

Several Imperial soldiers, flanking a pensive Grand Moff
Tarkin, busily push control levers and buttons.

INTERCOM VOICE: Standing by.

The rumble of a distant explosion begins.

EXT. SPACE AROUND THE DEATH STAR.

The Rebel ships race out of sight, leaving the moon-like Death
Star alone against a blanket of stars. Several small flashes
appear on the surface. The Death Star bursts into a supernova,
creating a spectacular heavenly display.

INT. MILLENNIUM FALCON -- COCKPIT

HAN: Great shot, kid. That was one in a million.

INT. LUKE'S X-WING FIGHTER -- COCKPIT

Luke is at ease, and his eyes are closed.

BEN'S VOICE: Remember, the Force will be with you...always.

The ship rocks back and forth.

EXT. DARTH VADER'S TIE FIGHTER

Vader's ship spins off into space.

EXT. SPACE

The Rebel ships race toward the fourth moon of Yavin.

INT. MASSASSI OUTPOST -- MAIN HANGAR.

Luke climbs out of his starship fighter and is cheered by a
throng of ground crew and pilots. Luke climbs down the ladder
as they all welcome him with laughter, cheers, and shouting.
Princess Leia rushes toward him.

LEIA: Luke! Luke! Luke!

She throws her arms around Luke and hugs him as they dance
around in a circle. Solo runs in toward Luke and they embrace
one another, slapping each other on the back.

HAN: (laughing) Hey! Hey!

LUKE: (laughing) I knew you'd come back! I just knew it!

HAN: Well, I wasn't gonna let you get all the credit and take all the
reward.

Luke and Han look at one another, as Solo playfully shoves
at Luke's face. Leia moves in between them.

LEIA: (laughing) Hey, I knew there was more to you than money.

Luke looks toward the ship.

LUKE: Oh, no!

The fried little Artoo-Detoo is lifted off the back of the
fighter and carried off under the worried eyes of Threepio.

THREEPIO: Oh, my! Artoo! Can you hear me? Say something! (to mechanic) You can repair him, can't you?

TECHNICIAN: We'll get to work on him right away.

THREEPIO: You must repair him! Sir, if any of my circuits or gears
will help, I'll gladly donate them.

LUKE: He'll be all right.

INT. MASSASSI OUTPOST -- MAIN THRONE ROOM

Luke, Han, and Chewbacca enter the huge ruins of the main
temple. Hundreds of troops are lined up in neat rows. Banners
are flying and at the far end stands a vision in white, the
beautiful young Senator Leia. Luke and the others solemnly
march up the long aisle and kneel before Senator Leia. From
one side of the temple marches a shined-up and fully repaired
Artoo-Detoo. He waddles up to the group and stands next to an
equally pristine Threepio, who is rather awestruck by the
whole event. Chewbacca is confused. Dodonna and several other
dignitaries sit on the left of the Princess Leia. Leia is
dressed in a long white dress and is staggeringly beautiful.
She rises and places a gold medallion around Han's neck. He
winks at her. She then repeats the ceremony with Luke, who is
moved by the event. They turn and face the assembled troops, who all bow before them. Chewbacca growls and Artoo beeps with happiness.

FADE OUT

END CREDITS OVER STARS

THE END