Star Wars: Episode VI Return of the Jedi
INT YODA'S HOUSE The tip of a walking stick taps hesitantly across the earthen floor of the cottage. Our view travels up the stick to the small green hand that clutches it, and then to the familiar face of YODA, THE JEDI MASTER. His manner is frail, and his voice, though cheerful, seems weaker. YODA Hmm. That face you make. Look I so old to young eyes? Luke is sitting in a corner of the cramped space and, indeed, his look has been woeful. Caught, he tries to hide it. LUKE No... of course not. YODA (tickled, chuckles) I do, yes, I do! Sick have I become. Old and weak. (Points a crooked finger) When nine hundred years old you reach, look as good you will not. Hmm? Yoda chuckles at this, coughs, and hobbles over toward his bed. YODA Soon will I rest. Yes, forever sleep. Earned it, I have. Yoda sits himself on his bed, with great effort. LUKE Master Yoda, you can't die. YODA Strong am I with the Force... but not that strong! Twilight is upon me and soon night must fall. That is the way of things... the way of the Force. LUKE But I need your help. I've come back to complete the training. YODA No more training do you require. Already know you that which you need. Yoda sighs, and lies back on his bed. LUKE Then I am a Jedi? YODA (shakes his head) Ohhh. Not yet. One thing remains: Vader. You must confront Vader. Then, only then, a Jedi will you be. And confront him you will. Luke is in agony. He is silent for a long moment, screwing up his courage. Finally he is able to ask. LUKE Master Yoda... is Darth Vader my father? Yoda's eyes are full of weariness and compassion. An odd, sad smile creases his face. He turns painfully on his side, away from Luke. YODA Mmm... rest I need. Yes... rest. Luke watches him, each moment an eternity. LUKE Yoda, I must know. YODA Your father he is. Luke reacts as if cut. YODA Told you, did he? LUKE Yes. A new look of concern crosses Yoda's face. He closes his eyes. YODA Unexpected this is, and unfortunate... LUKE Unfortunate that I know the truth? Yoda opens his eyes again and studies the youth. YODA (gathering all his strength) No. Unfortunate that you rushed to face him... that incomplete was your training. Not ready for the burden were you. LUKE Well, I'm sorry. YODA Remember, a Jedi's strength flows from the Force. But beware. Anger, fear, aggression. The dark side are they. Once you start down the dark path, forever will it dominate your destiny. He beckons the young Jedi closer to him. YODA Luke...Luke...Do not...Do not underestimate the powers of the Emperor, or suffer your father's fate, you will. Luke, when gone am I (cough), the last of the Jedi will you be. Luke, the Force runs strong in your family. Pass on what you have learned, Luke... (with great effort) There is...another...Sky...Sky...walker. He catches his breath. A shiver runs through the ancient green creature, and he dies. Luke stares at his dead master as he disappears in front of his eyes.
Originally posted 2018-06-28 20:00:00.
