Above, an IMPERIAL SHUTTLE is descending fast, and the CROWD moves back, clearing a space on the plaza for the ship to land. Closing its wings, the SHUTTLE comes to rest near the bottom of the palace steps. Its ramp lowers, and a huge silence falls over the crowd, everybody wondering what Imperial dignitary could be arriving. The exit hatch of the SHUTTLE opens with a whoosh, revealing only darkness. The Imperial soldiers look at one another, confused.
FIRST TROOPER: Do you know what’s going on?
SECOND TROOPER: Maybe they’re here to help...