Empire issue number 5 represents the fifth installment of the Star Wars: Empire comic book series. This issue featured the narrative titled "Princess… Warrior, Part 1" and was released to the public on February 5, 2003 through Dark Horse Comics.
Leading up to the occurrences depicted in Star Wars: Episode IV A New Hope, Princess Leia Organa embarks on a secret assignment. Her goal: to transport vital resources to the Rebel Alliance stationed on the world of Ralltiir. However, her objective is derailed when the Empire's forces, including Darth Vader, seize control of the planet. Leia manages to flee, preventing the Imperials from uncovering the real purpose of her presence. Nevertheless, she acknowledges that diplomatic solutions and "mercy missions" may no longer suffice. Shifting her focus to another area of galactic unrest, Leia becomes deeply embroiled in Imperial conflict and confronts the necessity of engaging in armed resistance against a malevolent adversary. Previously motivated by a profound sense of justice as a political activist, she now finds herself compelled to fight in order to protect a population facing annihilation.