They really want the Empire to strike back.

Citing a need for increased “space superiority” and job creation, over 13,000 people have signed an official petition on WhiteHouse.gov demanding that the United States government secure funds and resources and begin construction of a Death Star by 2016.

“By focusing our defense resources into a space-superiority platform and weapon system such as a Death Star, the government can spur job creation in the fields of construction, engineering, space exploration, and more, and strengthen our national defense,” reads the petition.

'Those who sign here petition the United States government to secure funding and resources, and begin construction on a Death Star by 2016.' — White House petition

As of Monday morning, it had received 13,302 signatures -- far more than nearly every other petition on the site.

A proposal to increase the budget of NASA has received just 3,964 votes. A call for protection for Guatemalan citizens in light of recent earthquakes: 8,563.

A suggestion that federal employees get Christmas Eve off has received 14,646 votes.

Despite the groundswell of enthusiasm for the plan -- which was filed under “science and space policy” -- it stands little chance of reaching President Obama’s desk. The petition needs another 11,700 signatures to reach the 25,000 threshold necessary for the government to take it seriously.

“The right to petition your government is guaranteed by the First Amendment of the United States Constitution,” the website explains. And while the Death Star concept passed the first threshold of 150 signatures, which makes it searchable on the site, it has until Dec. 14 to cross that line.

If it fails, the petitioner may have to scale back his demands: perhaps the right to bear lightsabers?