EXT. TATOOINE - DESERT
Jundland, or "No Man's Land", where the rugged desert mesas meet the foreboding dune sea. The two helpless astro-droids kick up clouds of sand as they leave the lifepod and clumsily work their way across the desert wasteland. The lifepod in the distance rests half buried in the sand.
THREEPIO
How did I get into this mess? I really don't know how. We seem to be made to suffer. It's our lot in life.
Artoo answers with beeping sounds.
THREEPIO
I've got to rest before I fall apart. My joints are almost frozen.
Artoo continues to respond with beeping sounds.
THREEPIO
What a desolate place this is.
Suddenly Artoo whistles, makes a sharp right turn and starts off in the direction of the rocky desert mesas. Threepio stops and yells at him.
THREEPIO
Where are you going?
A stream of electronic noises pours forth from the small robot.
THREEPIO
Well, I'm not going that way. It's much too rocky. This way is much easier.
Artoo counters with a long whistle.
Everybody was enjoying the argument going on right now.
THREEPIO
What makes you think there are settlements over there?
Artoo continues to make beeping sounds.
THREEPIO
Don't get technical with me.
Artoo continues to make beeping sounds.
THREEPIO
What mission? What are you talking about? I've had just about enough of you! Go that way! You'll be malfunctioning within a day, you nearsighted scrap pile!
Threepio gives the little robot a kick and starts off in the direction of the vast dune sea.
While most of the guests laughed, Anakin had to do a double take on what he just saw. His prim-and-proper protocol droid C3PO just kicked another droid. And not only that, but the droid he kicked was R2D2, who said protocol droid would be rarely seen without. He was able to get a few chuckles out but he had to process what he just watched in order to do so. Obi-Wan also didn't laugh as he didn't find that funny.
THREEPIO
And don't let me catch you following me begging for help, because you won't get it.
Artoo's reply is a rather rude sound. He turns and trudges off in the direction of the towering mesas.
THREEPIO
No more adventures. I'm not going that way.
Artoo beeps to himself as he makes his way toward the distant mountains.
"Wonder what happened," mused Luke, "they were together when we bought them"
EXT. TATOOINE - DUNE SEA
Threepio, hot and tired, struggles up over the ridge of a dune; only to find more dunes, which seem to go on for endless miles. He looks back in the direction of the now distant rock mesas.
THREEPIO
That malfunctioning little twerp. This is all his fault! He tricked me into going this way, but he'll do no better.
In a huff of anger and frustration, Threepio knocks the sand from his joints. His plight seems hopeless, when a glint of reflected light in the distance reveals an object moving towards him.
THREEPIO
Wait, what's that? A transport! I'm saved!
The bronze android waves frantically and yells at the approaching transport.
THREEPIO
Over here! Help! Please, help!
"You don't even know whose transport that is you idiot!" Han shouted
"Han", Leia said bluntly, "you're yelling at a hologram." Embarrassed at what he just did, he became silent.
EXT. TATOOINE - ROCK CANYON - SUNSET
The gargantuan rock formations are shrouded in a strange foreboding mist and the onimous sounds of unearthly creatures fill the air. Artoo moves cautiously through the creepy rock canyon, inadvertently making a loud clicking noise as he goes. He hears a distant, hard, metallic sound and stops for a moment. Convinced he is alone, he continues on his way.
In the distance, a pebble tumbles down the steep canyon wall and a small dark figure darts into the shadows. A little further up the canyon a slight flicker of light reveals a pair of eyes in the dark recesses only a few feet from the narrow path.
Ashoka shuddered when she confirmed the creatures were Jawas. She was always grossed out by those little creeps. Anakin and Luke, who both had more experience with them, shuddered harder.
The unsuspecting robot waddles along the rugged trail until suddenly, out of nowhere, a powerful magnetic ray shoots out of the rocks and engulfs him in an eerie glow. He manages one short electronic squeak before he topples over onto his back. His bright computer lights flicker off, then on, then off again. Out of the rocks scurry three Jawas, no taller than Artoo. They holster strange and complex weapons as they cautiously approach the robot. They wear grubby cloaks and their faces are shrouded so only their glowing eyes can be seen. They hiss and make odd guttural sounds as they heave the heavy robot onto their shoulders and carry him off down the trail.
"Poor R2" Padme commented
"This is just not his day" Han remarked
EXT. TATOOINE - ROCK CANYON - SANDCRAWLER - SUNSET
The eight Jawas carry Artoo out of the canyon to a huge tank- like vehicle the size of a four-story house. They weld a small disk on the side of Artoo and then put him under a large tube on the side of the vehicle and the little robot is sucked into the giant machine.
The filthy little Jawas scurry like rats up small ladders and enter the main cabin of the behemoth transport.
INT. SANDCRAWLER - HOLD AREA
It is dim inside the hold area of the Sandcrawler. Artoo switches on a small floodlight on his forehead and stumbles around the scrap heap. The narrow beam swings across rusty metal rocket parts and an array of grotesquely twisted and maimed astro-robots. He lets out a pathetic electronic whimper and stumbles off toward what appears to be a door at the end of the chamber.
At this scene Han and Leia were giving Luke questioning stares.
"The Jawas traded in droids they find wandering about." Luke defended.
INT. SANDCRAWLER - PRISON AREA
Artoo enters a wide room with a four-foot ceiling. In the middle of the scrap heap sit a dozen or so robots of various shapes and sizes. Some are engaged in electronic conversation, while others simply mill about. A voice of recognition calls out from the gloom.
THREEPIO
Artoo-Detoo! It's you! It's you!
"Why couldn't he have stayed out in the desert?" Han groaned, earning him another smack in the arm from Luke.
A battered Threepio scrambles up to Artoo and embraces him.
EXT. TATOOINE - ROCK CANYON - SANDCRAWLER - SUNSET
The enormous Sandcrawler lumbers off toward the magnificent twin suns, which are slowly setting over a distant mountain ridge.
EXT. TATOOINE - DESERT - DAY
Four Imperial stormtroopers mill about in front of the half- buried lifepod that brought Artoo and Threepio to Tatooine. A trooper yells to an officer some distance away.
FIRST TROOPER
Someone was in the pod. The tracks go off in this direction.
A second trooper picks a small bit of metal out of the sand and gives it to the first trooper.
SECOND TROOPER
Look, sir - droids.
"These guys are making the Klankers intelligent by comparison," noted Ashoka
EXT. TATOOINE - DUNES
The Sandcrawler moves slowly down a great sand dune.
INT. SANDCRAWLER
Threepio and Artoo noisily bounce along inside the cramped prison chamber. Artoo appears to be shut off.
THREEPIO
Wake up! Wake up!
Suddenly the shaking and bouncing of the Sandcrawler stops, creating quite a commotion among the mechanical men. Threepio's fist bangs the head of Artoo whose computer lights pop on as he begins beeping. At the far end of the long chamber a hatch opens, filling the chamber with blinding white light. a dozen or so Jawas make their way through the odd assortment of robots.
THREEPIO
We're doomed.
A Jawa starts moving toward them.
THREEPIO
Do you think they'll melt us down?
Artoo responds, making beeping sounds.
THREEPIO
Don't shoot! Don't shoot! Will this never end?
EXT. TATOOINE - DESERT - LARS HOMESTEAD - AFTERNOON
The Jawas mutter gibberish as they busily line up their battered captives, including Artoo and Threepio, in front of the enormous Sandcrawler, which is parked beside a small homestead consisting of three large holes in the ground surrounded by several tall moisture vaporators and one small adobe block house.
"Hey that's Uncle Owen's house!" Luke shouted
"Who's Owen" Ashoka asked
"A very close acquaintance of mine" answered Anakin. The topic of his mother was sensitive to him so there was no way he was going to tell how Owen Lars became his step-brother. Luckily for him, his former padawan was satisfied with that answer and returned to the watching the hologram.
The Jawas scurry around fussing over the robots, straightening them up or brushing some dust from a dented metallic elbow. The shrouded little creatures smell horribly, attracting small insects to the dark areas when their mouths and nostrils should be.
Out of the shadows of a dingy side-building limps Owen Lars, a large burly man in his mid-fifties. His reddish eyes are sunken in a dust-covered face. As the farmer carefully inspects each robot, he is closely followed by his slump- shouldered nephew, Luke Skywalker. One of the vile little Jawas walks ahead of the farmer spouting an animated sales pitch in a queer, unintelligible language.
Luke stared at Owen's hologram with a saddened joy. In addition, he had no doubt that his Aunt Beru was present as well. It was so bittersweet to see them again like this. He may have gotten into Force knows how many arguments about their controlling ways, but he loved them very much as the only family he had left. As he was shedding a few tears from his eyes, Leia grabbed his hand and smiled, making him feel better.
A voice calls out from one of the huge holes that form the homestead. Luke goes over to the edge and sees his Aunt Beru standing in the main courtyard.
And Luke closed his eyes again and gave a sad sigh, knowing he was right about Aunt Beru begin here.
BERU
Luke, tell Owen that if he gets a translator to be sure it speaks Bocce.
LUKE
It looks like we don't have much of a choice but I'll remind him.
Luke returns to his uncle as they look over the equipment for sale with the Jawa leader.
OWEN
I have no need for a protocol droid.
THREEPIO (quickly)
Sir - not in an environment such as this - that's why I've also been programmed for over thirty secondary functions that...
OWEN
What I really need is a droid that understands the binary language of moisture vaporators.
THREEPIO
Vaporators! Sir - My first job was programming binary load lifter... very similar to your vaporators. You could say...
OWEN
Do you speak Bocce?
THREEPIO
Of course I can, sir. It's like a second language for me... I'm as fluent in Bocce...
OWEN
All right shut up! (turning to Jawa) I'll take this one.
"I like your uncle Luke," Han said smiling
THREEPIO
Shutting up, sir.
OWEN
Luke, take these two over to the garage, will you? I want you to have both of them cleaned up before dinner.
LUKE
But I was going into Toshi Station to pick up some power converters...
Luke was blushing with embarrassment while Ahsoka was snickering, earning a cold stare from her former master.
OWEN
You can waste time with your friends when your chores are done. Now come on, get to it!
LUKE
All right, come on! And the red one, come on. Well, come on, Red, let's go.
As the Jawas start to lead the three remaining robots back into the Sandcrawler, Artoo lets out a pathetic little beep and starts after his old friend Threepio. He is restrained by a slimy Jawa, who zaps him with a control box.
Owen is negotiating with the head Jawa. Luke and the two robots start off for the garage when a plate pops off the head of the red astro-droid's head plate and it sparks wildly.
LUKE
Uncle Owen...
OWEN
Yeah? LUKE This R2 unit has a bad motivator. Look!
OWEN
(to the head Jawa) Hey, what're you trying to push on us?
The Jawa goes into a loud spiel. Meanwhile, Artoo has sneaked out of line and is moving up and down trying to attract attention. He lets out with a low whistle. Threepio taps Luke on the shoulder.
THREEPIO
(pointing to Artoo) Excuse me, sir, but that R2 unit is in prime condition. A real bargain.
LUKE
Uncle Owen...
OWEN
Yeah?
LUKE
What about that one?
OWEN
(to Jawa) What about that blue one? We'll take that one.
With a little reluctance the scruffy dwarf trades the damaged astro-droid for Artoo.
LUKE
Yeah, take it away.
"Can you imagine if that droid wasn't faulty?" Luke asked with a smile
"Let's not" Leia said with a shudder.
THREEPIO
Uh, I'm quite sure you'll be very pleased with that one, sir. He really is in first-class condition. I've worked with him before. Here he comes.
Owen pays off the whining Jawa as Luke and the two robots trudge off toward a grimy homestead entry.
LUKE
Okay, let's go.
THREEPIO
(to Artoo) Now, don't you forget this! Why I should stick my neck out for you is quite beyond my capacity!
INT. LARS HOMESTEAD - GARAGE AREA - LATE AFTERNOON
The garage is cluttered and worn, but a friendly peaceful atmosphere permeates the low grey chamber. Threepio lowers himself into a large tub filled with warm oil. Near the battered Landspeeder little Artoo rests on a large battery with a cord to his face.
THREEPIO
Thank the maker! This oil bath is going to feel so good. I've got such a bad case of dust contamination, I can barely move!
Artoo beeps a muffled reply. Luke seems to be lost in thought as he runs his hand over the damaged fin of a small two-man Skyhopper spaceship resting in a low hangar off the garage. Finally Luke's frustrations get the better of him and he slams a wrench across the workbench.
LUKE
It just isn't fair. Oh, Biggs is right. I'm never gonna get out of here!
Real Luke slid down while hiding his blushing face while everyone laughed.
THREEPIO
Is there anything I might do to help?
Luke glances at the battered robot. A bit of his anger drains and a tiny smile creeps across his face.
LUKE
Well, not unless you can alter time, speed up the harvest, or teleport me off this rock!
THREEPIO
I don't think so, sir. I'm only a droid and not very knowledgeable about such things. Not on this planet, anyways. As a matter of fact, I'm not even sure which planet I'm on.
LUKE
Well, if there's a bright center to the universe, you're on the planet that it's farthest from.
"Nah," said Han, "I think its Hoth"
"I'd say Jakku" remarked Leia
"Geonosis" added Padme
"Florrum" added Ashoka
"Nal Hutta" replied Obi-Wan
"I don't know," finished Anakin, "Tatooine's still pretty bad.
THREEPIO
I see, sir.
LUKE
Uh, you can call me Luke.
THREEPIO
I see, sir Luke.
LUKE
(laughing) Just Luke.
THREEPIO
And I am See-Threepio, human-cyborg relations, and this is my counterpart, Artoo-Detoo.
LUKE
Hello.
Artoo beeps in response. Luke unplugs Artoo and begins to scrape several connectors on the robot's head with a chrome pick. Threepio climbs out of the oil tub and begins wiping oil from his bronze body.
LUKE
You got a lot of carbon scoring here. It looks like you boys have seen a lot of action.
THREEPIO
With all we've been through, sometimes I'm amazed we're in as good condition as we are, what with the Rebellion and all.
LUKE
You know of the Rebellion against the Empire?
THREEPIO
That's how we came to be in your service, if you take my meaning, sir.
LUKE
Have you been in many battles?
Here everyone rolled their eyes while Luke turned redder.
THREEPIO
Several, I think. Actually, there's not much to tell. I'm not much more than an interpreter, and not very good at telling stories. Well, not at making them interesting, anyways.
Luke struggles to remove a small metal fragment from Artoo's neck joint. He uses a larger pick.
LUKE
Well, my little friend, you've got something jammed in here real good. Were you on a cruiser or...
The fragment breaks loose with a snap, sending Luke tumbling head over heels. He sits up and sees a twelve-inch three- dimensional hologram of Leia Organa, the Rebel senator, being projected from the face of little Artoo. The image is a rainbow of colors as it flickers and jiggles in the dimly lit garage. Luke's mouth hangs open in awe.
Leia gasped in surprise.
LEIA
Help me, Obi-Wan Kenobi. You're my only hope.
LUKE
What's this? Artoo looks around and sheepishly beeps an answer for Threepio to translate. Leia continues to repeat the sentence fragment over and over.
THREEPIO
What is what?! He asked you a question... (pointing to Leia) What is that?
Artoo whistles his surprise as he pretends to just notice the hologram. He looks around and sheepishly beeps an answer for Threepio to translate. Leia continues to repeat the sentence fragment over and over.
LEIA
Help me, Obi-Wan Kenobi. You're my only hope. Help me, Obi-Wan Kenobi. You're my only hope.
Obi-Wan perked up at hearing the name. So it appears he has survived whatever has befallen the Republic. But the question is, what caused the republic to fall in the first place? And why would he be on Tatooine? All those questions are spinning around in his head and he doesn't have the answer to any of them.
THREEPIO
Oh, he says it's nothing, sir. Merely a malfunction. Old data. Pay it no mind.
Luke becomes intrigued by the beautiful girl.
LUKE
Who is she? She's beautiful.
He turned purple though he himself didn't know why at this point. Han groaned as he knew the kid would be competition. He liked the princess enough as well but he didn't like the sappy love quarrels. Padme, who was the only one who instinctively knew of her true parentage, covered her face and sighed, as she knew this could only end badly.
THREEPIO
I'm afraid I'm not quite sure, sir.
LEIA
Help me, Obi-Wan Kenobi...
THREEPIO
I think she was a passenger on our last voyage. A person of some importance, sir - I believe. Our captain was attached to...
LUKE
Is there more to this recording?
Luke reaches out for Artoo but he lets out several frantic squeaks and a whistle.
THREEPIO
Behave yourself, Artoo. You're going to get us in trouble. It's all right, you can trust him. He's our new master.
Artoo whistles and beeps a long message to Threepio.
THREEPIO
He says he's the property of Obi-Wan Kenobi, a resident of these parts. And it's a private message for him. Quite frankly, sir I don't know what he's talking about. Our last master was Captain Antilles, but with what we've been through, this little R2 unit has become a bit eccentric.
LUKE
Obi-Wan Kenobi? I wonder if he means old Ben Kenobi?
"That old fossil?" Han exclaimed
And now the eyes of Obi-Wan Kenobi widen further. He only uses that codename if he is on a mission or in hiding. And judging by the situation, its probably the latter. And if it is the latter, then the entirety of the Jedi order is in great peril. And on top of that, if what the smuggler's saying is anything to go by, he would be an old man by this point. But he cannot be...
"Excuse me" Obi-Wan asked the princess, "from where you all are from, how long has it been since the Republic fell?"
Leia answered, "According to the official records, it was 23 1/2 years since the Empire first rose before we were transported here."
"And when do these events take place?"
"They took place 3 1/2 years ago."
Upon hearing this Anakin and Padme shot nervous glances at each other. They figured out right away that judging by their son's age and all of the information just given to them, the great terror that will topple the Republic will be coming from their time!
THREEPIO
I beg your pardon, sir, but do you know what he's talking about?
LUKE
Well, I don't know anyone named Obi-Wan, but old Ben lives out beyond the dune sea. He's kind of a strange old hermit.
"I can't believe you thought he was a 'strange old hermit'" Leia scolded
"Well I didn't know he was a Jedi!" Luke defended. Obi-Wan didn't notice their conversation as he was too busy trying to figure out what has happened that would require emergency procedures.
Luke's gazes at the beautiful young princess for a few moments.
LUKE
I wonder who she is. It sounds like she's in trouble. I'd better play back the whole thing.
Artoo beeps something to Threepio.
THREEPIO
He says the restraining bolt has short circuited his recording system. He suggests that if you remove the bolt, he might be able to play back the entire recording.
Luke looks longingly at the lovely, little princess and hasn't really heard what Threepio has been saying.
LUKE
H'm? Oh, yeah, well, I guess you're too small to run away on me if I take this off! Okay.
Luke takes a wedged bar and pops the restraining bolt off Artoo's side.
LUKE
There you go.
The princess immediately disappears...
LUKE
Well, wait a minute. Where'd she go? Bring her back! Play back the entire message.
"Wow Luke, you are being awfully whiny today aren't you?" Han sarcastically noted.
Artoo beeps an innocent reply as Threepio sits up in embarrassment.
THREEPIO
What message? The one you're carrying inside your rusty innards!
A women's voice calls out from another room.
AUNT BERU
Luke? Luke! Come to dinner!
Luke stands up and shakes his head at the malfunctioning robot.
LUKE
All right, I'll be right there, Aunt Beru.
THREEPIO
I'm sorry, sir, but he appears to have picked up a slight flutter.
Luke tosses Artoo's restraining bolt on the workbench and hurries out of the room.
LUKE
Well, see what you can do with him. I'll be right back.
THREEPIO
(to Artoo) Just you reconsider playing that message for him.
Artoo beeps in response.
THREEPIO
No, I don't think he likes you at all. Artoo beeps.
THREEPIO
No, I don't like you either.
INT. LARS HOMESTEAD - DINING AREA
Luke's Aunt Beru, a warm, motherly woman, fills a pitcher with blue fluid from a refrigerated container in the well- used kitchen. She puts the pitcher on a tray with some bowls of food and starts for the dining area.
Feeling a small appetite coming on, Han and Ashoka went to the kitchen to see if there was any snacks. Sure enough, there were plenty of food and beverages within the storage. Han grabbed a few Space Waffles for himself and Leia, while Ashoka started chugging down a large glass of Blue Milk. She loves that drink.
Luke sits with his Uncle Owen before a table covered with steaming bowls of food as Aunt Beru carries in a bowl of red grain.
LUKE
You know, I think that R2 unit we bought might have been stolen.
OWEN
What makes you think that?
LUKE
Well, I stumbled across a recording while I was cleaning him. He says he belongs to someone called Obi-Wan Kenobi.
Owen is greatly alarmed at the mention of his name, but manages to control himself.
LUKE
I thought he might have meant old Ben. Do you know what he's talking about? Well, I wonder if he's related to Ben.
"I still find it hard to believe that you didn't know who Obi-Wan was." Leia said, shaking her head in mild disbelief. This time, Obi-Wan listened, as he decided that there was too little information to go with at this time.
"What was that about me?" Kenobi asked out of curiosity
Luke and Leia glanced at each other before the former turned to Obi-Wan and said "Nothing really." Anakin and Padme were smiling at their son's answer while Obi-Wan huffed. Lousy kids and their secrets.
Owen breaks loose with a fit of uncontrolled anger.
OWEN
That old man's just a crazy old wizard. Tomorrow I want you to take that R2 unit into Anchorhead and have its memory flushed. That'll be the end of it. It belongs to us now.
"Crazy old wizard eh?" Obi-Wan replied calmly but angrily, "I think I might have a small talk him about the force." Leia, Anakin and Ashoka shared his sentiments. Luke merely looked down in sorrow.
LUKE
But what if this Obi-Wan comes looking for him?
OWEN
He won't, I don't think he exists any more. He died about the same time as your father.
Anakin and Padme froze up, as they heard of the former's supposed death. Anakin was left speechless while Padme was gasping for air. The future just proclaimed that Anakin is fated to die. And the worst part, it was just told nonchalantly over the table; no solemness, no manner of death, just the incident bluntly handed to them.
LUKE
He knew my father?
OWEN
I told you to forget it. Your only concern is to prepare the new droids for tomorrow. In the morning I want them on the south ridge working out those condensers.
LUKE
Yes, sir. I think those new droids are going to work out fine. In fact, I, uh, was also thinking about our agreement about my staying on another season. And if these new droids do work out, I want to transmit my application to the Academy this year.
"You wanted to go to the Imperial Academy?!" Leia asked
"Anything to get off this rock," Luke answered in defense. While Anakin didn't know or understand an "imperial academy", he does share his son's feelings about the planet.
Owen's face becomes a scowl, although he tries to suppress it.
OWEN
You mean the next semester before harvest?
LUKE
Sure, there're more than enough droids.
OWEN
Harvest is when I need you the most. Only one more season. This year we'll make enough on the harvest so I'll be able to hire some more hands. And then you can go to the Academy next year.
Luke continues to toy with his food, not looking at his uncle.
OWEN
You must understand I need you here, Luke.
LUKE
But it's a whole 'nother year.
OWEN
Look, it's only one more season.
Luke pushes his half-eaten plate of food aside and stands.
LUKE
Yeah, that's what you said last year when Biggs and Tank left.
AUNT BERU
Where are you going?
LUKE
It looks like I'm going nowhere. I have to finish cleaning those droids.
Resigned to his fate, Luke paddles out of the room. Owen mechanically finishes his dinner.
AUNT BERU
Owen, he can't stay here forever. Most of his friends have gone. It means so much to him.
OWEN
I'll make it up to him next year. I promise.
AUNT BERU
Luke's just not a farmer, Owen. He has too much of his father in him.
OWEN
That's what I'm afraid of.
At this point, Luke was lost as he didn't know whether to accept that as a compliment or an insult. After considering events that have passed before coming here, he chose the latter and scowled at the hologram.
EXT. TATOOINE - LARS HOMESTEAD
The giant twin suns of Tatooine slowly disappear behind a distant dune range. Luke stands watching them for a few moments, then reluctantly enters the doomed entrance to the homestead.
While Anakin does despise his unruly home world, he does admit the binary sunsets are among the most beautiful things in the galaxy. Padme sees the beauty as well and lays herself onto her husband's side. As Anakin placed an arm around her shoulder, Obi-Wan glanced at the two, wondering how close they really were.
INT. LARS HOMESTEAD - GARAGE
Luke enters the garage to discover the robots nowhere in sight. He takes a small control box from his utility belt similar to the one the Jawas were carrying. He activates the box, which creates a low hum, and Threepio, letting out a short yell, pops up from behind the Skyhopper spaceship.
LUKE
What are you doing hiding there?
Threepio stumbles forward, but Artoo is still nowhere in sight.
THREEPIO
It wasn't my fault, sir. Please don't deactivate me. I told him not to go, but he's faulty, malfunctioning; kept babbling on about his mission.
LUKE
Oh, no!
Luke races out of the garage followed by Threepio.
EXT. TATOOINE - LARS HOMESTEAD
Luke rushes out of the small doomed entry to the homestead and searches the darkening horizon for the small triped astro- robot. Threepio struggles out of the homestead and on the salt flat as Luke scans the landscape with his electrobinoculars.
THREEPIO
That R2 unit has always been a problem. These astro-droids are getting quite out of hand. Even I can't understand their logic at times.
LUKE
How could I be so stupid? He's nowhere in sight. Blast it!
THREEPIO
Pardon me, sir, but couldn't we go after him?
LUKE
It's too dangerous with all the Sandpeople around. We'll have to wait until morning.
Owen yells up from the homestead plaza.
OWEN
Luke, I'm shutting the power down for the night.
LUKE
All right, I'll be there in a few minutes. Boy, am I gonna get it.
He takes one final look across the dim horizon.
LUKE
You know that little droid is going to cause me a lot of trouble.
THREEPIO
Oh, he excels at that, sir.
"That was a pretty stupid move there" Ashoka remarked.
"Well I'm happy he made that stupid move," replied Leia, "or else I wouldn't be here"
INT. LARS HOMESTEAD - PLAZA
Morning slowly creeps into the sparse but sparkling oasis of the open courtyard. The idyll is broken be the yelling of Uncle Owen, his voice echoing throughout the homestead.
OWEN
Luke? Luke? Luke? Where could he be loafing now!
"Do your Aunt and Uncle just do that all day?" Han asked
"Pretty much," Luke answers with a shrug.
INT. LARS HOMESTEAD - KITCHEN
The interior of the kitchen is a worm glow as Aunt Beru prepares the morning breakfast. Owen enters in a huff.
OWEN
Have you seen Luke this morning?
AUNT BERU
He said he had some things to do before he started today, so he left early.
OWEN
Uh? Did he take those two new droids with him?
AUNT BERU
I think so.
OWEN
Well, he'd better have those units in the south range repaired be midday or there'll be hell to pay!
EXT. TATOOINE - DESERT WASTELAND - LUKE'S SPEEDER - DAY
The rock and sand of the desert floor are a blur as Threepio pilots the sleek Landspeeder gracefully across the vast wasteland.
INT./EXT. LUKE'S SPEEDER - DESERT WASTELAND - TRAVELING - DAY
Luke leans over the back of the speeder and adjusts something in the motor compartment.
LUKE (yelling)
How's that.
Threepio signals that is fine and Luke turns back into the wind-whipped cockpit and pops the canopy shut.
LUKE
Old Ben Kenobi lives out in this direction somewhere, but I don't see how that R2 unit could have come this far. We must have missed him. Uncle Owen isn't going to take this very well.
THREEPIO
Sir, would it help if you told him it was my fault.
LUKE (brightening)
Sure. He needs you. He'd probably only deactivate you for a day or so...
THREEPIO
Deactivate! Well, on the other hand if you hadn't removed his restraining bolt...
LUKE
Wait, there's something dead ahead on the scanner. It looks like our droid... hit the accelerator.
Luke smiled as the scene passed. 3PO didn't do bad for his first time driving.
EXT. TATOOINE - ROCK MESA - DUNE SEA - COASTLINE - DAY
From high on a rock mesa, the tiny Landspeeder can be seen gliding across the desert floor. Suddenly in the foreground two weather-beaten Sandpeople shrouded in their grimy desert cloaks peer over the edge of the rock mesa. One of the marginally human creatures raises a long ominous laser rifle and points it at the speeder but the second creature grabs the gun before it can be fired.
And he quickly turns to dread as he sees the Sand People come into view as well. Han, Ashoka and Padme shared his feelings. Anakin however growled at them with all the hatred he can feel without being detected. Sure he already executed the village responsible for killing his mother, but that didn't sate his hatred for them a bit. In fact it actually increased it.
The Sandpeople, or Tusken Raiders as they're sometimes called, speak in a coarse barbaric language as they get into an animated argument. The second Tusken Raider seems to get in the final word and the nomads scurry over the rocky terrain.
EXT. TATOOINE - ROCK MESA - CANYON
The Tusken Raider approaches two large Banthas standing tied to a rock. The monstrous, bear-like creatures are as large as elephants, with huge red eyes, tremendous looped horns, and long, furry, dinosaur-like tails. The Tusken Raiders mount saddles strapped to the huge creatures' shaggy backs and ride off down the rugged bluff.
EXT. TATOOINE - ROCK CANYON - FLOOR
The speeder is parked on the floor of a massive canyon. Luke, with his long laser rifle slung over his shoulder, stands before little Artoo.
LUKE
Hey, whoa, just where do you think you're going?
The little droid whistles a feeble reply, as Threepio poses menacingly behind the little runaway.
THREEPIO
Master Luke here is your rightful owner. We'll have no more of this Obi-Wan Kenobi jibberish... and don't talk to me about your mission, either. You're fortunate he doesn't blast you into a million pieces right here.
LUKE
Well, come on. It's getting late. I only hope we can get back before Uncle Owen really blows up.
THREEPIO
If you don't mind my saying so, sir, I think you should deactivate the little fugitive until you've gotten him back to your workshop.
LUKE
No, he's not going to try anything.
Suddenly the little robot jumps to life with a mass of frantic whistles and screams.
LUKE
What's wrong with him now?
THREEPIO
Oh my... sir, he says there are several creatures approaching from the southeast.
Luke swings his rifle into position and looks to the south.
LUKE
Sandpeople! Or worst! Come on, let's have a look. Come on.
Anakin felt proud of his son for going to assess the situation before taking action. For that he gave the boy a pat on the shoulder. Luke didn't truly appreciate it as the hand also belonged to the evil being known as Darth Vader. Not to mention that the hand that was on his shoulder was Anakin's mechanical hand, concealed by his black glove.
EXT. TATOOINE - ROCK CANYON - RIDGE - DAY
Luke carefully makes his way to the top of a rock ridge and scans the canyon with his electrobinoculars. He spots the two riderless Banthas. Threepio struggles up behind the young adventurer.
LUKE
There are two Banthas down there but I don't see any... wait a second, they're Sandpeople all right. I can see one of them now.
Luke watches the distant Tusken Raider through his electrobinoculars. Suddenly something huge moves in front of his field of view. Before Luke or Threepio can react, a large, gruesome Tusken Raider looms over them. Threepio is startled and backs away, right off the side if the cliff. He can be heard for several moments as he clangs, bangs and rattles down the side of the mountain.
"This just isn't your day isn't it kid?" Han remarked
The towering creature brings down his curved, double-pointed gaderffii - the dreaded axe blade that has struck terror in the heart of the local settlers. But Luke manages to block the blow with his laser rifle, which is smashed to pieces. The terrified farm boy scrambles backward until he is forced to the edge of a deep crevice. The sinister Raider stands over him with his weapon raised and lets out a horrible shrieking laugh.
EXT. TATOOINE - ROCK CANYON - FLOOR - DAY
Artoo forces himself into the shadows of a small alcove in the rocks as the vicious Sandpeople walk past carrying the inert Luke Skywalker, who is dropped in a heap before the speeder. The Sandpeople ransack the speeder, throwing parts and supplies in all directions. Suddenly they stop. Then everything is quiet for a few moments. A great howling moan is heard echoing throughout the canyon which sends the Sandpeople fleeing in terror.
Artoo moves even tighter into the shadows as the slight swishing sound that frightened off the Sandpeople grows even closer, until a shabby old desert-rat-of-a-man appears and leans over Luke. His ancient leathery face, cracked and weathered by exotic climates is set off by dark, penetrating eyes and a scraggly white beard. Ben Kenobi squints his eyes as he scrutinizes the unconscious farm boy. Artoo makes a slight sound and Ben turns and looks right at him.
BEN
Hello there! Come here my little friend. Don't be afraid.
Obi-Wan stared at the hologram as if he was a marionette with a nutcracker jaw. With everything that has happened, he had no doubt that the old man was his future self. It felt completely odd viewing his future self, particularly under the circumstances within this room.
Artoo waddles over to were Luke lies crumpled in a heap and begins to whistle and beep his concern. Ben puts his hand on Luke's forehead and he begins to come around.
BEN
Don't worry, he'll be all right.
LUKE
What happened?
BEN
Rest easy, son, you've had a busy day. You're fortunate you're still in one piece.
LUKE
Ben? Ben Kenobi! Boy, am I glad to see you!
BEN
The Jundland wastes are not to be traveled lightly. Tell me young Luke, what brings you out this far?
LUKE
Oh, this little droid! I think he's searching for his former master... I've never seen such devotion in a droid before... there seems to be no stopping him. He claims to be the property of an Obi-Wan Kenobi. Is he a relative of yours? Do you know who he's talking about?
Leia was trying her best to hide her laughter while Luke was bright red again.
Ben ponders this for a moment, scratching his scruffy beard.
BEN
Obi-Wan Kenobi... Obi-Wan? Now thats a name I haven't heard in a long time... a long time.
LUKE
I think my uncle knew him. He said he was dead.
BEN
Oh, he's not dead, not... not yet.
LUKE
You know him!
BEN
Well of course, of course I know him. He's me! I haven't gone by the name Obi-Wan since oh, before you were born.
And it was here Leia stopped trying to hide laughing.
LUKE
Then the droid does belong to you.
BEN
Don't seem to remember ever owning a droid. Very interesting...
He suddenly looks up at the overhanging cliffs.
BEN
I think we better get indoors. The Sandpeople are easily startled but they will soon be back and in greater numbers.
Luke sits up and rubs his head. Artoo lets out a pathetic beep causing Luke to remember something. He looks around.
LUKE
Threepio!
EXT. TATOOINE - SAND PIT - ROCK MESA - DAY
Little Artoo stands at the edge of a large sand pit and begins to chatter away in electronic whistles and beeps. Luke and Ben stand over a very dented and tangled Threepio lying half buried in the sand. One of his arms has broken off.
Luke tries to revive the inert robot by shaking him and then flips a hidden switch on his back several times until finally the mechanical man's systems turn on.
THREEPIO
Where am I? I must have taken a bad step...
LUKE
Can you stand? We've got to get out of here before the Sandpeople return.
THREEPIO
I don't think I can make it. You go on, Master Luke. There's no sense in you risking yourself on my account. I'm done for.
"What a noble sacrifice!" Han sarcastically remarked, complete with mock salute.
Artoo makes a beeping sound.
LUKE
No, you're not. What kind of talk is that?
Luke and Ben help the battered robot to his feet. Little Artoo watches from the top of the pit. Ben glances around suspiciously. Sensing something, he stands up and sniffs the air.
BEN
Quickly, son... they're on the move.
"Come on guys, just leave him here! You're dishonoring his sacrifice" Han moaned again. He got an arm slap again but this time it was from Anakin.
INT. KENOBI'S DWELLING
The small, spartan hovel is cluttered with desert junk but still manages to radiate an air of time-worn comfort and security. Luke is in one corner repairing Threepio's arm, as old Ben sits thinking.
Obi-Wan was deep in thought again, though this time is was about his future living quarters. It was too downtrodden and savage for his aesthetic taste, though if he really did need to hide, beggars can't be choosers.
LUKE
No, my father didn't fight in the wars. He was a navigator on a spice freighter.
BEN
That's what your uncle told you. He didn't hold with your father's ideals. Thought he should have stayed here and not gotten involved.
LUKE
You fought in the Clone Wars?
BEN
Yes, I was once a Jedi Knight the same as your father.
Obi-Wan than perked up again, this time in concern. The Jedi code forbids romantic attraction so it should be impossible for the boy's father to be a jedi...unless...He didn't want to believe that a jedi would break the code and sire a child, but the evidence was just handed to him on a silver platter. And by his future self no less! At the very least, he's about to have answers as to what happened with the jedi.
LUKE
I wish I'd known him.
BEN
He was the best star-pilot in the galaxy, and a cunning warrior. I understand you've become quite a good pilot yourself. And he was a good friend. Which reminds me...
Ben gets up and goes to a chest where he rummages around. As Luke finishes repairing Threepio and starts to fit the restraining bolt back on, Threepio looks at him nervously. Luke thinks about the bolt for a moment then puts it on the table. Ben shuffles up and presents Luke with a short handle with several electronic gadgets attached to it.
The eyes of Ashoka Tano and Obi-Wan Kenobi widen even wider when the device was pulled out. There wasn't a doubt within their minds. That lightsaber hilt matches that of Anakin's. More evidence to support that the father is a jedi. Anakin and Padme share distressful glances at each other. This was it. The Secret will soon crumble. All they can do now is steel themselves for the inevitable scolding. Luke, who was oblivious to everyone else's reactions, was feeling nostalgic about what is transpire, as he remembers well holding his father's lightsaber for the very first time.
BEN
I have something here for you. Your father wanted you to have this when you were old enough, but your uncle wouldn't allow it. He feared you might follow old Obi-Wan on some damned-fool idealistic crusade like your father did.
THREEPIO
Sir, if you'll not be needing me, I'll close down for awhile.
LUKE
Sure, go ahead.
Ben hands Luke the saber.
LUKE
What is it?
BEN
Your fathers lightsaber. This is the weapon of a Jedi Knight. Not as clumsy or as random as a blaster.
Luke pushes a button on the handle. A long beam shoots out about four feet and flickers there. The light plays across the ceiling.
And the lightsaber color even matches Anakin's. Obi-Wan tried desperately to deny it but the evidence just keeps piling up.
BEN
An elegant weapon for a more civilized time. For over a thousand generations the Jedi Knights were the guardians of peace and justice in the Old Republic. Before the dark times, before the Empire.
Luke hasn't really been listening.
LUKE
How did my father die?
"Why didn't you tell me the truth" Luke thought to himself.
BEN
A young Jedi named Darth Vader, who was a pupil of mine until he turned to evil, helped the Empire hunt down and destroy the Jedi Knights. He betrayed and murdered your father. Now the Jedi are all but extinct. Vader was seduced by the dark side of the Force.
Ahsoka and Obi-Wan became filled with dread. Anakin and Padme also were speechless as not only the former was killed by Vader, but the entire Jedi order as well. Obi-Wan then notes that this "Vader" is an apprentice of his. He did train a few of the padawans, including Anakin, but he can't detect which of them is the real Vader. Especially with all of the other revelations flooding his head at this moment.
LUKE
The Force?
BEN
Well, the Force is what gives a Jedi his power. It's an energy field created by all living things. It surrounds us and penetrates us. It binds the galaxy together.
Artoo makes beeping sounds.
BEN
Now, let's see if we can't figure out what you are, my little friend. And where you come from.
LUKE
I saw part of the message he was...
Luke is cut short as the recorded image of the beautiful young Rebel princess is projected from Artoo's face.
"Are we gonna hear the full message" Han asked
"Yep" Luke answered
"Oh good," Ashoka added, "I was starting to get tired of that repeated message."
BEN
I seem to have found it.
Luke stops his work as the lovely girl's image flickers before his eyes.
LEIA
General Kenobi, years ago you served my father in the Clone Wars. Now he begs you to help him in his struggle against the Empire. I regret that I am unable to present my father's request to you in person, but my ship has fallen under attack and I'm afraid my mission to bring you to Alderaan has failed. I have placed information vital to the survival of the Rebellion into the memory systems of this R2 unit. My father will know how to retrieve it. You must see this droid safely delivered to him on Alderaan. This is our most desperate hour. Help me, Obi-Wan Kenobi, you're my only hope.
There is a little static and the transmission is cut short. Old Ben leans back and scratches his head. He silently puffs on a tarnished chrome water pipe. Luke has stars in his eyes.
BEN
You must learn the ways of the Force if you're to come with me to Alderaan.
LUKE
(laughing) Alderaan? I'm not going to Alderaan. I've got to go home. It's late, I'm in for it as it is.
"Hey, what happened to 'anything to get off of this rock' Luke?" Han teased
BEN
I need your help, Luke. She needs your help. I'm getting too old for this sort of thing.
"Oh come on Luke" chided Leia, "I've been captured by Darth Vader and you're saying 'Ooh it's late, I'm sorry, I'll get in trouble.' Thanks a lot".
LUKE
I can't get involved! I've got work to do! It's not that I like the Empire. I hate it! But there's nothing I can do about it right now. It's such a long way from here.
Han, Leia and Ashoka snickered at Luke, causing said jedi to blush red again and to cause Anakin to glare at them.
BEN
That's your uncle talking.
LUKE
(sighing) Oh, God, my uncle. How am I ever going to explain this?
BEN
Learn about the Force, Luke.
LUKE
Look, I can take you as far as Anchorhead. You can get a transport there to Mos Eisley or wherever you're going.
"Oh, am I coming on?" asked Han
"Guess so," replied Luke. Ashoka pouted, as she didn't like these future people spoiling the hologram for her.
BEN
You must do what you feel is right, of course.
As the scene changed Obi-Wan paused the movie. After giving a deep sigh, he turned to Luke and spoke to him
"Son, before I continue, I need to know your surname."
"Hey hold on a second," Han proclaimed standing up, "Kid doesn't have to tell you anything." Leia stands up as well, agreeing with the smuggler.
"I'm only asking for his name. I need to confirm something." Obi-Wan replied
Leia this time stormed in. "Well for me it looks like you're probing Luke for information." Ashoka than stood up and placed hands between both of them.
"Whoa now guys, it's pretty obvious that there's more here and it's highly likely that Luke's last name will be revealed. So why don't we all just sit down and enjoy the show?"
However Obi-Wan was too single-minded in this goal to try and steer clear. Therefore, despite Ahsoka's continuous efforts, the Jedi master got into a heated argument with the rebel heroes about the Jedi Code and Privacy. All persons involved were so distracted they didn't notice Luke turning to his parents for guidance. After Padme, nudged her husband slightly in the arm, Anakin closed his eyes, took a deep breath and nodded once.
This was all that Luke needed.
He stood up and grabbed their attention before speaking.
"My last name is Skywalker."
And with that the whole room was silent for at least a minute.