A New Hope Read Free

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.
    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.
    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.
    EXTERIOR 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, Thre epio 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!
    EXTERIOR TATOOINE —ANCHORHEAD SETTLEMENT —POWER STATION —DAY. Luke and Biggs are walking and drinking a malt brew. Fixer and the others can be heard working inside.
    LUKE (Very animated)…so I cut off my power, shut down the afterburners and came in low on Deak’s trail. I was so close I thought I was going to fry my instruments. As it was I busted up the Skyhopper pretty bad. Uncle Owen was pretty upset. He grounded me for the rest of the season. You should have been there…it was fantastic. BIGGS You ought to take it easy Luke. You may be the hottest bushpilot this side of Mos Eisley, but those little Skyhoppers are dangerous. Keep it up, and one day, whammo, you’re going to be nothing more than a dark spot on the down side of a canyon wall. LUKE Look who’s talking. Now that you’ve been around those giant starships you’re beginning to sound like my uncle. You’ve gotten soft in the city…
    BIGGS I’ve missed you kid.
    LUKE Well, things haven’t been the same since you left, Biggs. It’s been so…quiet.
    Biggs looks around then leans close to Luke.
    BIGGS Luke, I didn’t come back just to say good-bye…I shouldn’t tell you this, but you’re the only one I can trust…and if I don’t come back, I want somebody to know.
    Luke’s eyes are wide with Biggs’ seriousness and loyalty. LUKE What are you talking about?
    BIGGS I made some friends at the Academy. (he whispers)…when our frigate goes to one of the central systems, we’re going to jump ship and join the Alliance…
    Luke, amazed and stunned, is almost speechless. LUKE Join the Rebellion?! Are you kidding! How? BIGGS Quiet down will ya! You got a mouth bigger than a meteor crater!
    LUKE I’m sorry. I’m quiet. (he whispers) Listen how quiet I am. You can barely hear me…
    Biggs shakes his head angrily and then continues. BIGGS My friend has a friend on Bestine who might help us make contact.
    LUKE Your crazy! You could wander around forever trying to find them. BIGGS I know it’s a long shot, but if I don’t find them I’ll do what I can on my own…It’s what we always talked about. Luke, I’m not going to wait for the Empire to draft me into service. The Rebellion is spreading and I want to be on the right side —the side I believe in.
    LUKE And I’m stuck here…
    BIGGS I thought you were going to