It appears to be from the Third Draft. Ben is in the script; his lines have just mostly been dropped or given to Luke for the audition.
64. INT. PIRATE STARSHIP - COCKPIT
The cockpit is alive with humming meters and softly buzzing readouts. Han is busy at the controls as Luke looks on in wonder.
HAN It checks out again. There is no mistake...
Old Ben enters the crowded cockpit.
BEN What is it?
LUKE He can't find Organa Major.
Han is rather grim-faced.
HAN I found it... It's just not there.
LUKE What are you saying?
BEN Organa Major has been destroyed.
Ben moves in and studies the monitors.
HAN What's left of it is contaminated. That's it there. Look at those radiation readouts! It's impossible. I've never seen anything like it. What's going on?
Luke sits back and stares blankly at the monitors.
BEN The Empire must have gotten here first.
HAN The planet has been totally blown away! It would have taken a thousand ships with a lot more fire power than I've ever seen... If the Empire had a new weapon that could do this... I would have heard something... I'd know about it.
BEN Well, now you know... The enemy is on the move. We haven't much time.
HAN Well, I've brought you here. What now?
BEN We have to find he rebels... What we're carrying belongs to them.
HAN Their bases are very well hidden. All the power of the Empire can't find them... Do you know where they are?
Ben shakes his head sadly.
BEN No, not anymore.
HAN I'm not taking you on an impossible search across the galaxy... I was only paid to get you here and now you're here. I'll take my other five thousand and you're on your own... I'll leave you on the nearest system.
LUKE You can't! We've come this far. We must find them...
HAN Why?
BEN Well, for one reason, we don't have your other five thousand.
HAN Who's going to pay me then?
BEN I think there are some things we should talk about.
HAN I'm beginning not to like you.
65. INT. PIRATE STARSHIP - MAIN HOLD AREA
Little Artoo is standing on the gaming table projecting the princess into the middle of the group. Han has a perplexed look on his face as he ponders the hologram. Ben leans back in his chair quietly waiting, while Luke watches the princess with a wistful, smile, far-away look. Finally the hologram ends.
HAN How much do you think she's talking about?
BEN A million at least... If this robot has information related to the destruction of Organa Major, you'll be able to name the reward...
HAN Anything I want! Now that's interesting.
He thinks about this for a few moments. Luke begins to get a little edgy.
LUKE Maybe you should just drop us off. I'm sure we can find someone willing to take the risk.
HAN All right, all right!
HAN (CONT'D) You've got a ship! But where do we go from here? They probably took her to find the hidden bases... I don't see how we can find the rebels before she breaks. The Empire has already beat us out.
BEN She's part of the royal family. They won't get any information from her... She knows the art of mind control... She's a swan sensana.
Ben gets lost in his thoughts for a few moments.
BEN But she is the only link between us and the hidden bases.
LUKE You mean we should go after her!...
BEN I didn't say that, but it appears to be a logical alternative.
HAN Now wait a minute. She's in Alderaan!
Ben is thinking and doesn't hear Han's protest. He turns to Luke.
HAN No, it's impossible... No one, and I mean no one would venture anywhere near the Alderaan system... I'm a free booter, not revolutionary. You're aboard the wrong ship, son!
LUKE Maybe the fact that no one would go there voluntarily could help us. They probably don't think anyone would dare try.
HAN Don't you believe it.
BEN Luke's got a point...
BEN (CONT'D) ... Fear is their greatest defense... I doubt if the actual security there is much greater than on Aquilae or Sullust, and what there is is most likely directed toward large- scale assault.
HAN This isn't a game, you know.
LUKE How many more systems have to get blown away before you have no place to hide and are forced to fight... Don't you realize what's going on?
Han is slightly embarrassed by Luke.
HAN Kid, you take the glory and the good intentions and I'll take the reward.
BEN Fear is their greatest weapon.
HAN I'm not afraid of anything...
Everyone looks at Han, and he instantly regrets what he has said.
Marv / Finarvyn DCC playtester (2011) S&W WhiteBox author (2009) C&C playtester (2003) Builder of the TrollBridge for T&T; Amber Diceless player since 1993 OD&D Player since 1975; Metamorphosis Alpha since 1976
"Don't ask me what you need to hit. Just roll the die and I will let you know!" - Dave Arneson