The Guardian of Forever! is the concluding chapter of a comic book trilogy penned by Chris Claremont. It originally appeared in issues Star Wars Weekly 113–115, a UK publication. This tale was later reprinted in 1981 within the Marvel Illustrated Books compilation titled Star Wars 2: World of Fire. Its title is derived from the initial installment featured in Star Wars Weekly 113. Its preceding parts are "Betrayal!" and "The Monster's Secret!." The narrative picks up from the events of World of Fire! and The Word for World is Death!.
The story of The Guardian of Forever! follows Luke Skywalker and Leia Organa as they continue their search on the planet of Alashan. Accompanied by Major Wil'm Grau, the group ventures into an underground city to investigate. There, they are ambushed by the Sentinel, which is determined to defend its territory from the intruders. Following a chase where the Guardian nearly eliminates the team, Leia Organa discovers the source of the Guardian's strength within the Alashan control center. By destroying this structure, they manage to defeat the Guardian. After freeing themselves from the debris, the team boards the Staraker, and Organa extends an offer to Grau to join the Rebellion. However, he refuses, departing the ship in an escape pod. As the Humans depart from the planet, the ruined underground city mysteriously revives, accompanied by an unsettling laughter that echoes throughout the complex...