William Shakespeare's The Jedi Doth Return

I fly with thee, good Wedge, they’ll not prevail.
But wait, what omen vile’s before mine eyes?
The fighters of the Empire are engag’d,
Yet all the Star Destroyers are at rest.
It is as though some show is here devis’d,
And we’re the actors in a play of war.

Enter Admiral Piett and IMPERIAL COMMANDER, aside.

Command.

We’re set in the position for attack.

PIETT

’Tis well, now hold thee fast, and wait.

Command.

—But Sir,
Dost mean that we shall not make our assault?

PIETT

This is no plan of my invention, but
The edict cometh from the Emperor
Himself. He hath a special plan afoot.
Our role here is but to prevent escape.
Hast thou mark’d well what I have said?

Command.

—Aye, Sir.

[Exeunt Admiral Piett and Imperial commander.

Emperor

[ to Luke:

] As thou canst see, my young apprentice, allThy friends have fail’d. Now for the final blow:
Thou shalt bear witness to the strong firepow’r
Of this both fully operational
And armèd battle station. [ Into comlink:] Fire at will,
Commander! Let the rebels shriek with pain!
Excitement courses through my veins, for I
Do thrill at bringing others misery.

[The Death Star shoots, sending beams across the stage and killing some rebel pilots.

Luke

[ aside:

] O pierce my soul, thou cursèd hand of Fate!Am I the cause for this most bitter scene?
The Death Star active while my comrades die,
And all that I may gaze upon their end.
How shall I keep my mind from thoughts most dark?
How shall I patient be when fac’d with this?
How shall I not respond to anger’s call?
How shall I show a Jedi’s noble soul?
Be with me, trusted Yoda and dear Ben,
Forsooth, I need you more than ever now.

Lando

[ to Nien:

] That blast hath emanated from the Death Star. O! ’Tis operational. [ Into comlink:] HomeOne,
This is Gold Leader. Hast thou seen that blast?

Ackbar

We did indeed, and our decision’s made.
All rebel fighters for retreat prepare—
Our fleet is not sufficient to withstand
The might of this new Death Star’s thunderclap.

Lando

Thou shalt not have another chance as this
To mount attack upon the Empire, Sir.

Ackbar

We’ve no choice, General Calrissian.
Their vast firepow’r our ships cannot repel—
Betwixt our strength and theirs, too wide’s the gap!

Lando

But still I trust that Han will soon disarm
The shield. We must but give him time enough!
His mission is no easier than ours.
A thought hath come to me that we may use—
’Tis dangerous, but may yet worthy prove.
All ships move closer to the Star Destroy’rs,
Engage the giant ships at point-blank range.

Ackbar

At that close range, we’ll not last long against
A Star Destroyer’s harsh and vicious rap.

Lando