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The Empire Strikes Back
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Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back

unused footage: scenes 321 - 340


332 - EXT. SWAMP - BOG - DUSK

Luke lies motionless in the mud with Artoo leaning over him. Two glowing balls about the size of baseballs hover above them like mosquitoes and occasionally the angry Artoo swats at them; they move just out of the stubby droid's reach. Artoo whistles to his master several times, but gets no response. Artoo turns toward Yoda, who is sitting quietly nearby chewing on his Gimer Stick, and begins to furiously beep and scold the little Jedi Master.

Artoo turns back to Luke. A small metal electrode projects out of Artoo and rests on Luke's chest. There is a concerned whistle from the droid, a short electronic yap, and Luke jumps awake with a start. The young Jedi shakes his head clear and rubs his shoulder. He is very angry; his glare moves between Yoda and the two glowing balls.

YODA
(jovial) Concentration. Heh? Concentration.

LUKE
(pissed) I thought those seekers were set for stun!

YODA
That they are.

LUKE
They're a lot stronger than I'm used to.

YODA
That would matter not were The Force flowing through you. Higher you'd jump! Faster you'd move! Open yourself to The Force you must.

Artoo scoots away as the fed-up Luke grabs his laser sword from the mud, ignites it and jumps up.

LUKE
I'm open to it now! I feel it. Come on you little flying blasters!

As he moves toward the hovering balls with a poised saber and ferocious look, they draw away, retreating to the area around Yoda's head.

YODA
No, no. This will not do. Anger is what you feel.

LUKE
But I feel The Force flowing!


YODA
Anger, fear, aggression! The dark side of The Force are they. Easily they flow ... quick to join you in a fight. Beware, beware, beware of them. A heavy price is paid for the power they bring.

Luke lowers his light saber, confused.

LUKE
Price? What do you mean?


YODA
The dark side beckons. But if once start down the dark path, forever will it dominate your destiny. Consume you it will ... as it did Obi-wan's apprentice.

LUKE
Lord Vader ... Is the dark side stronger?

YODA
No, no. Easier, quicker, more seductive.

LUKE
But how am I to know the good side from the dark?

YODA
You will know. When you are at peace ... calm ... passive. A Jedi uses The Force for knowledge and defense. Never for attack.

LUKE
But tell me why ...

YODA
No! Nothing more will I tell you now. Clear your mind of questions ... Quiet now be ... at peace ...

Luke stops protesting, relaxes his body.

YODA
... Yes ... calm ...

Luke closes his eyes, tries to clear his thoughts.

YODA
(soothing) ... passive ... Let yourself go ...

After a long moment, Yoda makes the tiniest little gesture and the two glowing balls near his head race toward Luke, firing stun bolts. Luke immediately springs to life, but in a lovely, graceful way. He moves incredibly fast, deflecting bolts thrown at him from all directions, jumping incredibly high.

The seeker attack stops as suddenly as it started and the two balls retreat to either side of Yoda's head. Artoo lets out a sigh and shakes his head. Luke grins proudly at Yoda who continues to chew away.

YODA
Much progress do you make, young one. Stronger do you grow.

Luke is bursting with his achievement as two more glowing seekers float into view from behind Yoda's back, making a poised line of four above Yoda. Luke's grin melts away.



340 - EXT. BOG TRAIL - DUSK

Luke runs through the Bog, jumping incredibly high over roots, doing amazing double flips across mud holes, racing in and out of the heavy ground fog.

Yoda again rides on Luke's neck. Yoda tosses a silver bar high above Luke, but behind him. The young warrior instantly turns and cuts the bar into four pieces. Yoda is pleased, but Luke is suddenly distracted, wary.

YODA
Four this time! The Force you feel.


LUKE
Yes ... I also feel danger ... death. Something's not right.

...


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