The Forgotten Hero: A Star Wars Story

Jabba's Palace

A monstrous half-completed Death Star hangs in the depths of space, its massive superstructure curling away from the completed section like the arms of a giant octopus. Beyond, in benevolent contrast, floats the small, green moon of Endor.

An Imperial Star Destroyer moves overhead toward the massive armored space station, followed by two zipping TIE fighters. A small Imperial shuttle rockets from the main bay of the ship and hustles toward the Death Star.

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The Shuttle Captain makes contact with the Death Star.

Shuttle Captain: Command station, this is ST-321. Code Clearance Blue. We're starting our approach. Deactivate the security shield.

Death Star Controller: The security deflector shield will be deactivated when we have confirmation of your code transmission. Stand by... You are clear to proceed.

Shuttle Captain: We're starting our approach.

Operators move about among the control panels. A Shield Operator hits switches beside a large screen, on which is a display of the Death Star, the moon Endor, and a bright web delineating the invisible deflector shield.

A control Officer rushes over to the shield Operator.

Officer: Inform the commander that Lord Vader's shuttle has arrived.

Operator: Yes, sir.

The control Officer moves to a view port and watches as the Imperial shuttle lands in the massive docking bay. A squad of Imperial stormtroopers moves into formation before the craft.

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The Death Star Commander, Moff Jerjerrod, a tall, confident technocrat, strides through the assembled troops to the base of the shuttle ramp. The troops snap to attention; many are uneasy about the new arrival. But the Death Star Commander stands arrogantly tall.

The exit hatch of the shuttle opens with a whoosh, revealing only darkness. Then, heavy footsteps and mechanical breathing. From this black void appears Darth Vader, Lord of the Sith. Vader looks over the assemblage as he walks down the ramp.

Jerjerrod: Lord Vader, this is an unexpected pleasure. We're honored by your presence.

Vader: You may dispense with the pleasantries, Commander. I'm here to put you back on schedule.

The commander turns ashen and begins to shake.

Jerjerrod: I assure you, Lord Vader, my men are working as fast as they can.

Vader: Perhaps I can find new ways to motivate them.

Jerjerrod: I tell you, this station will be operational as planned.

Vader: The Emperor does not share your optimistic appraisal of the situation.

Jerjerrod: But he asks the impossible. I need more men.

Vader: Then perhaps you can tell him when he arrives.

Jerjerrod: (aghast) The Emperor's coming here?

Vader: That is correct, Commander. And he is most displeased with your apparent lack of progress.

Jerjerrod: We shall double our efforts.

Vader: I hope so, Commander, for your sake. The Emperor is not as forgiving as I am.

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A lonely, windswept road meanders through the desolate Tatooine terrain. There's a familiar beeping and a distinctive reply before catching sight of R2-D2 and C-3PO, making their way along the road toward the ominous palace of Jabba the Hutt.