Empire #5: Princess...Warrior, part 1 (of 2) (Spoilers)

Neither can I- I'm actually in the midsts of doing an adaptation of certain scenes from the radio drama as an example for my EU TV Show layout thread, so more details about these events will be most welcomed :


Though, I must ask- how come we haven't gotten a glimpse of the cover art for this issue?

 

It's out, the two issue arc is entitled "Princess...Warrior".

Gonna read it now, when I'm done I'll type up my usual summary and edit or post it in.

EDIT-

Ok, it looks like the first half of the issue is an adaptation of the Ralltiir scenes from the Radio Drama- with a couple new scenes focused on the firefight distraction and Lord Tion activating and overhearing her misleading convesation with Antilles.

The other half is new, and takes place before she arrives back at Alderaan. Since this is the new part, I'll start my summary from that point on:

SPOILERS!!!




As they leave Ralltiir and prepare for hyperspace, Leia tells the medic aboard to take good care of theRebel with the message- the medic replies that the man will be fine after a day or so in the bacta tank.

Leia then goes on to speak with Antilles, saying that while they may be safe, Ralltiir will still be forced to endure Vader and Tion's purification- plus they still have the medical supplies aboard they tried to deliver there. Since they can't go back, Leia instructs them to plot a new course.

They arrive at the planet Kattada, at it's main spaceport. Leia meets with the elected leader of the planet, Mia Ikova. Mia and her discuss Leia's ties to the rebels while Leia asks that Mia use some of the many smugglers who call the main spaceport there, Haleoda, home to ship the supplies they're carrying to Ralltiir. Since they have no love for the Empire, she agrees- especially since her pilots enjoy a challenge.

As they speak, an Imperial sentinel lander touches down in the spaceport next to the Tantive IV. Antilles has his men get to the ship's turrets and hands Leia a commlink so that she can give the order to fire if it comes to that.

Stormtroopers and a couple officers disembark the lander, proclaiming that everyone is under arrest- including Leia. The officer goes on to explain that Tion's permission to allow her free leave did not extend beyond his jurisdiction- the Ralltiiri system (Ralltiri?). His permission was overruled by Lord Vader's order- if Leia's ship was found anywhere but on Alderaan, it was to be seized and searched.

Mia steps in to vouch for Leia, claiming she arrived for recreational pruposes. The officer doesn't believe her- they are a long way from the beaches. He places Mia under arrest as well. When her bodyguards order him to release her, the stormtroopers open fire, killing the guards and mortally wounding Mia, who dies in Leia's arms.

Leia: "You shot her...she's dying...there was no need. I would have come peacefully...you didn't have to kill her."

Commander Karg: "What is one life, more or less, tp the Empire? Besides, now your cooperation is assured."

Leia: "...FIRE!"

The Tantive's guns open fire on the troopers and officers. As the second in command orders a fallback to their ship. Karg ignores it, saying to Leia that this display of resistace only delays the inevitable, and seals her fate. Leia replies that he was the one who started the violence. Karg says he'll be the one to end it. He aims his gun at her head.

Karg:"Let's see how willing your crew is to fight when your life is in danger. Or better yet, let's see how quickly their foolishness ends when you are no longer alive to protect!"


(Gee, I hope they don't kill Leia off- she was such a good character... ;;D )






END SPOILERS!!!!

 

Depends on how far into the Radio drama this goes. They don't cross paths with Leia until the Tantive IV sets out for Toprawa- which is after the Convoy attack in Rebel Dream occurs, which is after Leia gets home to Alderaan after this issue.

My guess would be that after this "side trip" wraps up, issue 2 will end with the dinner scene between Bail, Tion and Leia on Alderaan, so seeing the two droids will be unlikely.

Perhaps a future story arc after Darklighter and the Boba Fett issue will have the Toprawa mission.